Afriquoi are back with their Time is a Gift Which We Share All the Time EP. Taken
from a line from the track “Ndeko Solo”, the title is a reminder of the blessedness of being alive and
the intimate connection of all things. This is the first EVER Afriquoi release where the whole band
has gone into the studio to record a full live-band sound, playing together at Octagon Studios,
putting down songs that were written collaboratively and honed over years on live stages. It was
recorded with the assistance of Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist, Onipa) to help capture the right live
sound.
This EP showcases the live band sound that has thrilled audiences on festival stages from
Glastonbury West Holts to WOMAD to Dimensions Festival: Jally Kebba Susso’s exquisite kora
playing, Fiston Lusambo’s intricate Congolese guitar, uplifting vocals from Andre Espeut, crisp
percussion from André Marmot, tasteful chords from Nico Bentley and beats from Oli Cole.
More than any of Afriquoi’s previous releases, this EP allows each member’s individual sound and
talent to shine. Guitarist Fiston Lusambo explains: “we wanted to create a style of music which does
not exist yet by combining Congolese guitar, Gambian kora, African Djembe and mixing them with
European music… this EP is a result of our work where each of us has put his talent in it, we think
we have now something which is what we wanted”.
Parisian label Mawimbi are the perfect match for the band, having established themselves as
champions of afro-tinged electronic music, through their long-running nights in Paris, their DJ sets,
their label releases and their own productions and remixes for the likes of Oumou Sangaré, Femi
Kuti, Cerrone & more.