Since 2005, Shokazoba has been a premier Afrobeat band based in Northampton Massachusetts. They are a collective of musicians who’ve come together to write and perform a unique blend of Jazz/Funk with a West African undertone and a conscious political message.
The music’s funky qualities and poly-rhythms draw parallels to the works of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, and Funk legend James Brown. Interlocking guitar patterns and syncopated percussion seamlessly blend with jazz infused horn lines that are guaranteed to have the entire audience dancing. Shokazoba plays a variety of stages from small club rooms to large festival main stages. Because their sound is so diverse and accessible, it goes over well with all music lovers.
The band garnered the Valley Advocate Best of 2007 award for World Music, Best of 2008 award for Funk, Best Jazz in the My411 Source poll in 2009 and Best World music again in 2010 from the Valley Advocate.
Shokazoba is very excited to announce the latest album "Congress For Sale" is now available in all major retailers.
"Congress For Sale"
Recorded at Quad Lakeside Studios, Greenwood Lake, NY - November 21-22, 2010
Engineered by Rob Ignazio and Clinton Vadnais
Mixed and Mastered by Clinton Vadnais
Produced by Clinton Vadnais, Lou Gonzalez and Shokazoba
Kwame Nyarko - Vocals
Wendell - Bass, Electric, and 12 String Guitars
Tim Boucher - Guitar
Keith Laudieri - Drum Kit, Vocals
Jason Moses - Keys, Trombone, Vocals
Jason Mosall - Trumpet
Heath DeAngelo Nieves - Trumpet, Alto Sax
Peter VanSiclen - Tenor Sax, EWI
Dave Moses - Baritone Sax
Thanks to: Clinton Vadnais, Rob Ignazio, Lou Gonzales, Dan Grip, Noah Enelow, Jeremy Hill, Dan Baer, DJ Andujar, Kaleta and ZoZo Afrobeat, Fela Kuti, Joe McSweeney at Eames Drum Shells, Friends, Family, and Fans of Shokazoba
