Jembaa Groove - “Adasane”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Fela Kuti, Nok Cultural Ensemble, Hugh Masekela

Layers of percussion underlie Jembaa Groove’s sound, Ghanaian highlife influences seeping into the polyrhythms grounding the German band’s 2022 record Susuma. Add in jazzed-up piano and guitar lines, lush horn accompaniment, and West African lyrical patterns and Jembaa Groove’s sound really takes off. Real and organic, but also tight musically, they keep a defined pocket on Susuma. It’s a record that feels of timeless tradition while keeping an explorative spirit throughout. Jembaa Groove’s music has soul, using African and jazz influences in an uncluttered way weaving a core sound that hold Susuma together front to back. (Kevin McStravick)