Bio
After garnering massive support from the international media world (KEXP,BBC 6,Gilles Peterson,Soulection, WDR, FIP etc) of the back of their debut album „Susuma“ in 2022, Jembaa Groove come forth with their second studio album „Ye Ankasa/We ourselves“.
Lead by singer and percussion legend Eric Owusu and bass player and producer Yannick Nolting the Berlin-based outfit has established itself as an international touring band over the past 2 years recording a BBC6 Session at Maida Vale Studios and playing some of the finest stages around the globe such as SXSW, Supersonic Jazz and ESNS, while many more are about to come on their upcoming release tour in 2024 including London (Jazz Cafe), Paris (New Morning), Madrid (Sala Villanos), Berlin (Gretchen), Amsterdam (Paradiso), Sao Paolo (Blue Note) and many more.
Infused by fundamental elements of Ghanian Highlife from the 70s the band has its own take on a number of influences that goes far beyond just trying to imitate the greats that came before. The band consists of former band members of Tony Allen, Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas and Orlando Julius. Playing and recording with these legends of Highlife and Afrobeat for decades surely shaped their perception of sound.
Inviting legendary Ghanian multi-instrumentalist and producer Kwame Yeboah (Kwashibu Area Band) to record and co-create on this album was an intended step, as the bandleaders were looking for a certain authentic sonic element they knew would blend with the band's sound. With K.O.G on „Sweet my ear“ and Gyedu Blay Ambolley on „Agya“ the album features two other important figures of the contemporary Ghanian Highlife scene.
Being a mix of members of African and European descend hailing from different corners of the planet Jembaa Groove blend a melting pot of influences that melt into what they say is a contemporary take on Highlife, Jazz and Soul. The band represents their very own and new sound which they consider is ever evolving as going through life in a progressive way means having your eyes and ears open to everything happening around you at any time.