Shokazoba (Nigerian for shock absorber) is an award winning horn driven dance party powerhouse performing original top quality high energy music designed to move our feet, inspire the mind, & activate our souls! Founded in 2005 as a Fela Kuti tribute project, their aim is to proliferate conscious awareness & positive social change through the vehicle of an irresistibly danceable polyrhythmic trance music they call New World Funk.
You'll hear an eclectic blend of influences prominently featuring Fela's proprietary genre he named Afrobeat which takes the listener on a journey of self discovery Fela termed "An Underground Spiritual Game". Shokazoba devoutly carries Fela's integral intentions of true egalitarianism with respect for everyone's feelings as fundamental philosophies fully reflected in their passionately urges of critically honest crucially topical lyrical messages. Shokazoba's existence is of a spiritual inspiration rooted in deep meaningful human connections found within the timeless joy of ecstatic heartfelt celebratory dance music.
Voted "Best of the Valley" five times by the Valley Advocate Reader's Poll, nominated for "Live Act of the Year" by the New England Music Awards, winners of the 2017 Valley Music Showcase, & recognized with several honorable distinctions by the African Jazz Review, Shokazoba is currently working on new material to share with the world as they draw ever closer to their 20th year. New World Funk will likely exceed one's expectations as the recordings are teaming with unrivaled artistic creativity, so be prepared to be absolutely blown away in the best possible way. Shokazoba aims to provide the most fun you will ever have listening and dancing at a live show in the Pioneer Valley and beyond so do come out to see them soon!
Shokazoba offers our fullest love and gratitude to Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Tony Allen for inventing Afrobeat and therefore inspiring, shaping, guiding & instilling deep meaning & magic into our journey. We recognize every contribution of every musician, audience member & all the beautiful people we've had the genuine pleasure of meeting through Afrobeat culture. We wholeheartedly thank the beautiful Marigold Theater in Easthampton MA for so graciously providing the space for us to continue our work. Please check out our contact page to find out more about Afrobeat & it's origins by clicking on the buttons and pictures. Thank you for visiting our virtual home so please explore, enjoy & share our music & the messages within. Love & Respect - Shokazoba
"New England Afrofunk Ensemble embracing Fela's legacy with a conscious
message delivered in powerful danceable music." - Iohann Vega, Radioplasma
You'll hear an eclectic blend of influences prominently featuring Fela's proprietary genre he named Afrobeat which takes the listener on a journey of self discovery Fela termed "An Underground Spiritual Game". Shokazoba devoutly carries Fela's integral intentions of true egalitarianism with respect for everyone's feelings as fundamental philosophies fully reflected in their passionately urges of critically honest crucially topical lyrical messages. Shokazoba's existence is of a spiritual inspiration rooted in deep meaningful human connections found within the timeless joy of ecstatic heartfelt celebratory dance music.
Voted "Best of the Valley" five times by the Valley Advocate Reader's Poll, nominated for "Live Act of the Year" by the New England Music Awards, winners of the 2017 Valley Music Showcase, & recognized with several honorable distinctions by the African Jazz Review, Shokazoba is currently working on new material to share with the world as they draw ever closer to their 20th year. New World Funk will likely exceed one's expectations as the recordings are teaming with unrivaled artistic creativity, so be prepared to be absolutely blown away in the best possible way. Shokazoba aims to provide the most fun you will ever have listening and dancing at a live show in the Pioneer Valley and beyond so do come out to see them soon!
Shokazoba offers our fullest love and gratitude to Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Tony Allen for inventing Afrobeat and therefore inspiring, shaping, guiding & instilling deep meaning & magic into our journey. We recognize every contribution of every musician, audience member & all the beautiful people we've had the genuine pleasure of meeting through Afrobeat culture. We wholeheartedly thank the beautiful Marigold Theater in Easthampton MA for so graciously providing the space for us to continue our work. Please check out our contact page to find out more about Afrobeat & it's origins by clicking on the buttons and pictures. Thank you for visiting our virtual home so please explore, enjoy & share our music & the messages within. Love & Respect - Shokazoba
"New England Afrofunk Ensemble embracing Fela's legacy with a conscious
message delivered in powerful danceable music." - Iohann Vega, Radioplasma
"With a groove so funky you can smell it, they blend several different genres in a mixer and leave the listener convulsing to the sounds. From Jazz to Funk to an addicting West African beat, they have developed a wonderfully unique
soundscape that fits perfectly with the inspiring message the band delivers." - bandsforbernie.co |
"Shokazoba blends jazz & old school funk with a West African beat that sets the foundation for a great community vibe." Bluebird Reviews "It's a fantastic track: like musical gold flowing through my head." Andy Mattholie, Jazz Central Sine FM |
"Sometimes a record really can wake you up from whatever slump you’re in, and make you feel refreshed. For an amateur of New World music like myself, Shokazoba is perfect; the band’s music is succinct, exciting, and new and makes you want to listen to the genre for a deeper understanding..." - CMJ
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