konkoma: s/t

Rooted in 1970s Ghana, KonKoma is the brainchild of saxophonist Max Grunhard and producer Ben Lamdin (Nostalgia 77). The idea was to create a band around two highly-esteemed Ghanaian musicians -- Alfred Bannerman and Emmanuel Rentzos. Both are mercurial talents who over the years have graced the stage with the likes of Bobby Womack, Hugh Masekela and Peter Green as well as being long-term members of the Afro-rock band, Osibisa. London-based Afro-funk outfit KonKoma now present their self-titled debut. Ghana was the first destination of Soundway's acclaimed compilation series with Ghana Soundz Afro-Beat, Funk And Fusion In 70's Ghana (SNDW 001CD). It has been a long-held ambition for the label to work with a contemporary Ghanaian band who can push the country's unique take on Afro-beat and highlife forward. KonKoma adds a progressive edge to their rich blend of Afro-funk, jazz, soul and traditional African rhythms as well as acknowledging the '70s recordings that spawned the sound. Guitarist Alfred Bannerman, founding member of teenage Afro-rock band Boombaya (featured on the Soundway compilation Ghana Special) has remained one of the mainstays of the UK's African music scene for more than 20 years. Keyboardist Emmanuel Rentzos has been playing alongside his fellow Ghanaian since the early 1970s when he was the lead singer of the young Ghanaian outfit Santrofi. Celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year, Soundway's Ghana Soundz compilation featured amongst others, Ebo Taylor, who inspired a young Alfred Bannerman in his formative years growing up on Cape Coast. Ten years on from that inaugural release, Soundway have signed a living, breathing live re-birth of the music found on their seminal Ghanaian compilations.