New album Tribute To Fela Vol 2 Live at the The Jazz Cafe  by Bukky Leo and Black Egypt. Released 22nd of November 22nd 2019
By www.drift-recordings.com

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‘The original afrobeat sound of London by way of Lagos. To hear Bukky Leo & Black Egypt is to be transported to the Kalakuta Republic.’ 

Connecting the musical worlds of Lagos and London, saxophonist and band leader Bukky Leo is at the heart of London’s live afrobeat scene with his 11 piece band, Black Egypt.

Originally inspired and having had the honour of playing alongside the legendary musical innovator Fela Kuti in ‘Africa 70’, Bukky is undoubtedly one of the most important afro beat musicians alive today. Fusing the sounds of afro beat, jazz and funk, Bukky has clocked up an incredible amount of Live gigs taking in festivals such as ……..and legendary venues such as……. Two years ago on the 20th Anniversary of Fela Kuti’s death, Bukky staged a ‘Felabration’ show at London’s legendary Jazz Cafe -  a homage to the great man’s music - which was so successful that he’s been touring this show ever since and which has also been captured on two highly sought-after, limited edition ‘Live at The Jazz Café’ vinyl EPs.

In his different guises as the Bukky Leo Quintet, The Source and his current incarnation as Bukky Leo & Black Egypt, he’s also released an impressive 4 albums with one of his biggest songs ‘‘Rejoice in Righteousness’ helping birth London’s Acid Jazz label and with new remixes coming later this year.

Inspired by a pilgrimage to Egypt in the late 90’s, Bukky is one of the most versatile and explosive saxophonists in the UK, fusing and creating musical culture with his inspired afro-centric grooves, and the help of his all-star line-up of musicians from the jazz, reggae and world music scenes. A rare musician and music heavy weight on a global level, Bukky’s heart-warming shows inject a feel good spirit into every event, gaining new fans as he goes. 

Bukky’s impeccable credentials unfold early on when as a child prodigy saxophonist he was taken under the wing of  Tony Allen - legendary drummer and founder of the afrobeat genre (now better known for his work with The Gorrillaz and Damon Albarn), going on to play with Tony’s 'Mighty Irokos' band. Next stop was London to become one of the forerunners in the Acid Jazz scene, signed by fledgling A&R man Gilles Peterson to the newly formed Acid Jazz label with his first release “Rejoice In Righteousness” going straight to No 1 in the Rn’B, Dance and Jazz charts and which is now held up as one of the definitive cuts of the era. Bukky’s follow-up album “River Nile” led to a nomination at the US African Music Awards in New York.

Since the acid jazz days, Bukky’s ground breaking afro-centric grooves have seen Black Egypt emerge as the most important afrobeat group outside of Nigeria, connecting the unique musical vision of legendary UK dub producer, Dennis Bovell and of course mentor, Tony Allen.

“It’s the message which inspires me to adopt the ideology of African music and anthropology and politics that come along with the music. You see Afrobeat is a way of life.” Bukky Leo

Bukky Leo

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