Sounds Local: Shokazoba aims to energize your mind, stimulate your soul
Wednesday, February 15, 2017 By Sheryl Hunter - Greenfield Recorder http://www.recorder.com/AE-Sounds-021617-8070434
If the recent spat of snow storms have left you feeling house-band and restless, a Shokazoba show might be just what you need. This 10-piece band from Northampton play a jazz funk mix that is rooted in the rhythmic heavy Afrobeat sounds of late Nigerian musician, Fela Kuti. It’s music that is made for dancing, but Shokazoba — who are influenced by the social activism of Kuti — hope to inspire its audience with their socially conscious and politically charged lyrics.
Shokazoba has a series of shows coming up in Pioneer Valley, starting Friday night, when they perform at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton at 10 p.m. The next night, Saturday, Feb. 18, they will be at the Root Cellar in Greenfield at 9:30 p.m. with local gem JAM-ATAN (abina) opening at 8. Next month, find them at The Deuce Club (World War II Club) in Northampton on Saturday, March 4, at 8 p.m. as part of the Homeward Vets Winter Music Festival. Then they will play the Warwick Town Hall on Saturday, March 18, at 8 p.m.
I recently caught up with Jason Moses — vocalist/keyboardist/percussionist for the band — and we talked about Shokazoba’s longevity, its origins as a Fela Kuti tribute project and its’ role as socially active musicians during these turbulent times.
Sounds Local: Shokazoba recently celebrated its 12th anniversary, what do you attribute to your longevity?
Jason Moses: The greatest tangible contributing factors to Shokazoba’s longevity are our passions for this music and the continued positive feedback we receive from our fans. There has never been a musical experience had by anyone in this group that has delivered such a robust level of creative satisfaction outside of Shokazoba. When all the variables at play line up for a great Shokazoba show, for us there’s no finer place to be anywhere in the entire universe. We have nothing but immense gratitude for the intangible forces which allow this project to roll along with seemingly renewable downhill momentum.
SL: I know the band started out as a Fela Kuti tribute project. What initially attracted you to Kuti’s music? And when did Shokazoba start incorporating their own material into the mix?
JM: Personally, I was permanently hooked by Fela’s afro-beat from the very first moment of the very first song I ever heard (Lady on Shakara/The London Scene). I listened to it backwards and forwards until I had memorized every single note and lyrical nuance. I had never heard music like it before, and have never connected creatively with anything since in nearly 20 years.
Why you ask? The live energy, the harmonic tensions, the intellectual stimulation, the polyrhythmic undulations, the potent lyrical consciousness, the infectious and inevitable and unrelenting dance, and the deliberate ritually communal accessibility. His music would tickle the ears of the intellectually informed jazz head while completely stimulating the feet of the avid dancer without alienating anyone else in the room in the process. His lyrical intentions of dispelling dominant cultural illusions while elevating human consciousness is inspiring on a wildly successful plane of artistic achievement — especially when you learn of the history of his life.
Simply put: an absolutely amazing human creating absolutely remarkable art with absolutely admirable intentions and execution. Shokazoba has attempted to compose original material from the very early stages of our existence, but we didn’t settle for anything less than what we thought Fela might find acceptable. He is our heroic inspiration.
SL: It seems that Shokazoba has successfully used the internet as a way to reach more listeners. Can you tell us about your decision to post many of your concerts on archive.org and to allow people to download them at no cost?
JM: Several of the musicians and creative collaborators in Shokazoba’s early years were well steeped in music festival culture, which had given rise to a decades old tradition of freely sharing live concert recordings. What was previously propagated by audio tapes sent through snail mail networks now nearly entirely exists on the internet in various virtual compilations such as archive.org.
We have been following in that path of intention ever since our first few shows over a dozen years ago with a desire be a part of the American underground countercultural tapestry. The level of success achieved with well over 1 million downloads remains a happy mystery.
SL: You have quite a few local shows coming up. How would you explain a Shokazoba show to someone who has never attended one before?
JM: When all goes according to plan, attendees at our shows just can’t stop dancing and won’t stop smiling. They hear and absorb the lyrics while shaking their heads in knowing agreement. Our music is designed to move your feet, energize your mind, and stimulate your soul. By the time the second and third sets are nearing completion, people are demanding more music and hollering with glee after the end of every song. It’s quite literally the most fun in music any of us has ever had, and I believe the same can be said for our regular fans. A Shokazoba show is something that needs to be experienced to be fully understood.
SL: Looking back, can you recall a show that was a particular favorite?
JM: That’s not an easy question to answer. We love our regular club gigs in (Pioneer) Valley, elsewhere in New England, and the scene at The Shrine in Harlem is thriving. We’re excited for the way 2017 is shaping up with several festivals and new locations added to our circuit. Shokazoba’s already booking into July and August with some special opportunities coming our way for which we’re truly grateful. There have been so many amazing shows over the course of the last year that meet all the appropriate qualifying criteria, let alone over the last 12 years or so. We are fortunate enough that quite literally any show on any given night can be the best show we’ve ever had.
SL: As a band that is committed to positive social change, what do you feel your role is during these challenging times of the Trump presidency?
JM: I believe Shokazoba’s role is largely unchanged, however, the intensity of our creative expression may ratchet upward by several notches. The topics we sing about have been around for a long time and Donald Trump is merely a symptom of the greater social issues that have allowed for the unfortunate growth of the alt-right sociopolitical agenda. We will continue to follow our destiny and attempt to move in the direction set forth long ago by Fela Anikulapo Kuti — away from corruption and toward help, healing, and equality for all beings. These are long-term goals and long lived issues. We were ready to come on board with the beautiful political revolutionary energy generated and galvanized by Bernie Sanders’ movement, and we are equally poised to be a clear present progressive voice in the muddied mess of Donald Trump’s blithering bigoted dribble. Shokazoba will continue on as long as we feel a need to play this music and as long as we’re physically able to do so.
SL: Is that intensity of creative expression currently being reflected in your songwriting? And on that same topic, when can we expect to hear new music from Shokazoba?
JM: A new level of intensity is indeed being reflected in our songwriting. Our new music, instead of dwelling on political particulars and societal inequities, delves deeper into the human psyche dealing directly with our common behavioral issues as a human community while maintaining a strong hopefulness for our potential to heal and help each other. It’s one thing to diagnose and draw attention to a problem, but it’s a whole other level of responsibility to offer a solution and follow through to resolution. We are currently working on amassing a large enough body of new work to justify another studio project, perhaps with a vinyl release this time around, hopefully within the next year.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017 By Sheryl Hunter - Greenfield Recorder http://www.recorder.com/AE-Sounds-021617-8070434
If the recent spat of snow storms have left you feeling house-band and restless, a Shokazoba show might be just what you need. This 10-piece band from Northampton play a jazz funk mix that is rooted in the rhythmic heavy Afrobeat sounds of late Nigerian musician, Fela Kuti. It’s music that is made for dancing, but Shokazoba — who are influenced by the social activism of Kuti — hope to inspire its audience with their socially conscious and politically charged lyrics.
Shokazoba has a series of shows coming up in Pioneer Valley, starting Friday night, when they perform at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton at 10 p.m. The next night, Saturday, Feb. 18, they will be at the Root Cellar in Greenfield at 9:30 p.m. with local gem JAM-ATAN (abina) opening at 8. Next month, find them at The Deuce Club (World War II Club) in Northampton on Saturday, March 4, at 8 p.m. as part of the Homeward Vets Winter Music Festival. Then they will play the Warwick Town Hall on Saturday, March 18, at 8 p.m.
I recently caught up with Jason Moses — vocalist/keyboardist/percussionist for the band — and we talked about Shokazoba’s longevity, its origins as a Fela Kuti tribute project and its’ role as socially active musicians during these turbulent times.
Sounds Local: Shokazoba recently celebrated its 12th anniversary, what do you attribute to your longevity?
Jason Moses: The greatest tangible contributing factors to Shokazoba’s longevity are our passions for this music and the continued positive feedback we receive from our fans. There has never been a musical experience had by anyone in this group that has delivered such a robust level of creative satisfaction outside of Shokazoba. When all the variables at play line up for a great Shokazoba show, for us there’s no finer place to be anywhere in the entire universe. We have nothing but immense gratitude for the intangible forces which allow this project to roll along with seemingly renewable downhill momentum.
SL: I know the band started out as a Fela Kuti tribute project. What initially attracted you to Kuti’s music? And when did Shokazoba start incorporating their own material into the mix?
JM: Personally, I was permanently hooked by Fela’s afro-beat from the very first moment of the very first song I ever heard (Lady on Shakara/The London Scene). I listened to it backwards and forwards until I had memorized every single note and lyrical nuance. I had never heard music like it before, and have never connected creatively with anything since in nearly 20 years.
Why you ask? The live energy, the harmonic tensions, the intellectual stimulation, the polyrhythmic undulations, the potent lyrical consciousness, the infectious and inevitable and unrelenting dance, and the deliberate ritually communal accessibility. His music would tickle the ears of the intellectually informed jazz head while completely stimulating the feet of the avid dancer without alienating anyone else in the room in the process. His lyrical intentions of dispelling dominant cultural illusions while elevating human consciousness is inspiring on a wildly successful plane of artistic achievement — especially when you learn of the history of his life.
Simply put: an absolutely amazing human creating absolutely remarkable art with absolutely admirable intentions and execution. Shokazoba has attempted to compose original material from the very early stages of our existence, but we didn’t settle for anything less than what we thought Fela might find acceptable. He is our heroic inspiration.
SL: It seems that Shokazoba has successfully used the internet as a way to reach more listeners. Can you tell us about your decision to post many of your concerts on archive.org and to allow people to download them at no cost?
JM: Several of the musicians and creative collaborators in Shokazoba’s early years were well steeped in music festival culture, which had given rise to a decades old tradition of freely sharing live concert recordings. What was previously propagated by audio tapes sent through snail mail networks now nearly entirely exists on the internet in various virtual compilations such as archive.org.
We have been following in that path of intention ever since our first few shows over a dozen years ago with a desire be a part of the American underground countercultural tapestry. The level of success achieved with well over 1 million downloads remains a happy mystery.
SL: You have quite a few local shows coming up. How would you explain a Shokazoba show to someone who has never attended one before?
JM: When all goes according to plan, attendees at our shows just can’t stop dancing and won’t stop smiling. They hear and absorb the lyrics while shaking their heads in knowing agreement. Our music is designed to move your feet, energize your mind, and stimulate your soul. By the time the second and third sets are nearing completion, people are demanding more music and hollering with glee after the end of every song. It’s quite literally the most fun in music any of us has ever had, and I believe the same can be said for our regular fans. A Shokazoba show is something that needs to be experienced to be fully understood.
SL: Looking back, can you recall a show that was a particular favorite?
JM: That’s not an easy question to answer. We love our regular club gigs in (Pioneer) Valley, elsewhere in New England, and the scene at The Shrine in Harlem is thriving. We’re excited for the way 2017 is shaping up with several festivals and new locations added to our circuit. Shokazoba’s already booking into July and August with some special opportunities coming our way for which we’re truly grateful. There have been so many amazing shows over the course of the last year that meet all the appropriate qualifying criteria, let alone over the last 12 years or so. We are fortunate enough that quite literally any show on any given night can be the best show we’ve ever had.
SL: As a band that is committed to positive social change, what do you feel your role is during these challenging times of the Trump presidency?
JM: I believe Shokazoba’s role is largely unchanged, however, the intensity of our creative expression may ratchet upward by several notches. The topics we sing about have been around for a long time and Donald Trump is merely a symptom of the greater social issues that have allowed for the unfortunate growth of the alt-right sociopolitical agenda. We will continue to follow our destiny and attempt to move in the direction set forth long ago by Fela Anikulapo Kuti — away from corruption and toward help, healing, and equality for all beings. These are long-term goals and long lived issues. We were ready to come on board with the beautiful political revolutionary energy generated and galvanized by Bernie Sanders’ movement, and we are equally poised to be a clear present progressive voice in the muddied mess of Donald Trump’s blithering bigoted dribble. Shokazoba will continue on as long as we feel a need to play this music and as long as we’re physically able to do so.
SL: Is that intensity of creative expression currently being reflected in your songwriting? And on that same topic, when can we expect to hear new music from Shokazoba?
JM: A new level of intensity is indeed being reflected in our songwriting. Our new music, instead of dwelling on political particulars and societal inequities, delves deeper into the human psyche dealing directly with our common behavioral issues as a human community while maintaining a strong hopefulness for our potential to heal and help each other. It’s one thing to diagnose and draw attention to a problem, but it’s a whole other level of responsibility to offer a solution and follow through to resolution. We are currently working on amassing a large enough body of new work to justify another studio project, perhaps with a vinyl release this time around, hopefully within the next year.
Interview with Shokazoba -- Bernified Since the Very Beginning
Tuesday, September 1, 2015 http://bandsforbernie.co/interview-with-shokazoba-bernified-since-the-very-beginning/
Shokazoba is band that is hard to place a definitive label on. 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. One thing that is easier to define about the band however is their mission with this catchy music. In their own words they are working to inspire positive change and bring awareness to some of the most important issues that we face as a society. And of course the band loves the energizing and exciting message that Bernie Sanders brings to the table. We got a chance to ask Jason Moses of the band a few questions and here’s how it went.
B4B: Give us some background on your band.
Shokazoba: Shokazoba has been working hard for nearly 11 years at this labor of love and devotion. We are a collective of artists and musicians who have been inspired by Fela Kuti’s life spirit and activism. One thing can be said with all certainty: Shokazoba loves Afrobeat! We covered many of Fela’s pieces for many years before giving birth to our own musical creations. Our first full length LP “Congress For Sale” was released in 2011, and our latest work “One Destiny” was completed in 2015. We have recorded many of our live shows over the years and have submitted many of them to archive.org, where they’ve been downloaded over 1,000,000 times. We are the epitome of underground. We make music for ourselves first and foremost, and greatly enjoy doing so with a deep level of personal satisfaction. The topical messages of our lyrical content serve two purposes. Firstly we’re trying to inspire positive social change and awareness. Secondarily, it’s therapeutically beneficial to air one’s grievances and frustrations through artistic expression. Better out than in There’s more specific information about achievements and such on our website.
B4B: Bernie is your choice for President, how long have you been “Bernified”?
Shokazoba: We’ve been Bernified since the very beginning! We’re from Northampton in the heart of the Pioneer Valley of western central Massachusetts, which is just down the road from Vermont. Western Mass almost feels more like a part of Vermont at times than the eastern part of our own state. Being a band of politically aware progressive free thinking artists who can’t stand our political system, we have admired Senator Sanders for many years.
B4B: Inspiring positive change is what your music is about, how valuable is music as a tool to do that?
Shokazoba: Fela Kuti described music as the weapon of the future. I interpret that statement to mean a weapon of conscious love and awareness used to destroy the ignorant harmful imbalance in our human community. His messages, infectious grooves, and life’s work has inspired Shokazoba to exist and disseminate our own progressive ideals. We wouldn’t be here having this conversation without Fela’s work, so you tell me how important music is to this process. Looking back to the days of Dylan, Seeger, Gil Scott Heron, John Sinclair, John Lennon, Bob Marley and more contemporarily to the likes of Immortal Technique, Rage Against The Machine, Usine Bay, Antibalas, etc., it’s an undeniably impacting presence created in our culture by musicians who have contributed to social and political progress.
B4B: Has the band always been focused on doing that?
Shokazoba: Yes. We are an activist band founded on activist principles.
B4B: Any stories about people you’ve been successful in reaching?
Shokazoba: We reach people at every show we play. Every positive interaction makes a significant and equally positive impact. There have been many people over the years who have approached us at shows to express appreciation for our lyrical content and our artistic intentions. I remember an interaction at a show we played at the Skinny Pancake in Burlington, Vermont on Halloween in 2013. We had just unveiled a new song that touched someone so deeply she came up to me after the show to give me a hug with tears in her eyes. It doesn’t get any better than that! So beautifully meaningful.
B4B: In your mind what are the biggest issues facing us as a society?
Shokazoba: I feel the biggest issues facing us as a society and humanity are a lack of compassion and mindful living.
B4B: Does this election and the chance to elect someone who vows to chance things give you hope?
Shokazoba: I always have hope. Thankfully, our political system isn’t a true reflection of humanity. I see enough beauty, care, and helpful intentions in my day to day life that I rarely lose hope. That being said, I have never come across a candidate who has more embodied my personal hopes and ideals than Senator Sanders. Bernie gives me great hope for our political system, for a benevolent revolution of compassion and mindfulness, and for the restoration of balance to our society as a whole.
B4B: Open Mic:
Shokazoba: We’re extremely excited and grateful to have the opportunity to contribute positively to the helpfully oriented political and social movements led by Senator Sanders. If we can honor Fela’s struggles and the unnecessary pain and anguish of so many of our fellow humans by aiding to usher in healing and healthy change then we will have been successful in the highest plain of artistic achievement. We give all our thanks to everyone and everything that has made this moment possible. Peace, Love, & Afrobeat!
Tuesday, September 1, 2015 http://bandsforbernie.co/interview-with-shokazoba-bernified-since-the-very-beginning/
Shokazoba is band that is hard to place a definitive label on. 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. One thing that is easier to define about the band however is their mission with this catchy music. In their own words they are working to inspire positive change and bring awareness to some of the most important issues that we face as a society. And of course the band loves the energizing and exciting message that Bernie Sanders brings to the table. We got a chance to ask Jason Moses of the band a few questions and here’s how it went.
B4B: Give us some background on your band.
Shokazoba: Shokazoba has been working hard for nearly 11 years at this labor of love and devotion. We are a collective of artists and musicians who have been inspired by Fela Kuti’s life spirit and activism. One thing can be said with all certainty: Shokazoba loves Afrobeat! We covered many of Fela’s pieces for many years before giving birth to our own musical creations. Our first full length LP “Congress For Sale” was released in 2011, and our latest work “One Destiny” was completed in 2015. We have recorded many of our live shows over the years and have submitted many of them to archive.org, where they’ve been downloaded over 1,000,000 times. We are the epitome of underground. We make music for ourselves first and foremost, and greatly enjoy doing so with a deep level of personal satisfaction. The topical messages of our lyrical content serve two purposes. Firstly we’re trying to inspire positive social change and awareness. Secondarily, it’s therapeutically beneficial to air one’s grievances and frustrations through artistic expression. Better out than in There’s more specific information about achievements and such on our website.
B4B: Bernie is your choice for President, how long have you been “Bernified”?
Shokazoba: We’ve been Bernified since the very beginning! We’re from Northampton in the heart of the Pioneer Valley of western central Massachusetts, which is just down the road from Vermont. Western Mass almost feels more like a part of Vermont at times than the eastern part of our own state. Being a band of politically aware progressive free thinking artists who can’t stand our political system, we have admired Senator Sanders for many years.
B4B: Inspiring positive change is what your music is about, how valuable is music as a tool to do that?
Shokazoba: Fela Kuti described music as the weapon of the future. I interpret that statement to mean a weapon of conscious love and awareness used to destroy the ignorant harmful imbalance in our human community. His messages, infectious grooves, and life’s work has inspired Shokazoba to exist and disseminate our own progressive ideals. We wouldn’t be here having this conversation without Fela’s work, so you tell me how important music is to this process. Looking back to the days of Dylan, Seeger, Gil Scott Heron, John Sinclair, John Lennon, Bob Marley and more contemporarily to the likes of Immortal Technique, Rage Against The Machine, Usine Bay, Antibalas, etc., it’s an undeniably impacting presence created in our culture by musicians who have contributed to social and political progress.
B4B: Has the band always been focused on doing that?
Shokazoba: Yes. We are an activist band founded on activist principles.
B4B: Any stories about people you’ve been successful in reaching?
Shokazoba: We reach people at every show we play. Every positive interaction makes a significant and equally positive impact. There have been many people over the years who have approached us at shows to express appreciation for our lyrical content and our artistic intentions. I remember an interaction at a show we played at the Skinny Pancake in Burlington, Vermont on Halloween in 2013. We had just unveiled a new song that touched someone so deeply she came up to me after the show to give me a hug with tears in her eyes. It doesn’t get any better than that! So beautifully meaningful.
B4B: In your mind what are the biggest issues facing us as a society?
Shokazoba: I feel the biggest issues facing us as a society and humanity are a lack of compassion and mindful living.
B4B: Does this election and the chance to elect someone who vows to chance things give you hope?
Shokazoba: I always have hope. Thankfully, our political system isn’t a true reflection of humanity. I see enough beauty, care, and helpful intentions in my day to day life that I rarely lose hope. That being said, I have never come across a candidate who has more embodied my personal hopes and ideals than Senator Sanders. Bernie gives me great hope for our political system, for a benevolent revolution of compassion and mindfulness, and for the restoration of balance to our society as a whole.
B4B: Open Mic:
Shokazoba: We’re extremely excited and grateful to have the opportunity to contribute positively to the helpfully oriented political and social movements led by Senator Sanders. If we can honor Fela’s struggles and the unnecessary pain and anguish of so many of our fellow humans by aiding to usher in healing and healthy change then we will have been successful in the highest plain of artistic achievement. We give all our thanks to everyone and everything that has made this moment possible. Peace, Love, & Afrobeat!
Ken Maiuri’s Tuned In:
Shokazoba celebrates new CD at Bishop’s Lounge, plus other music happenings this week in the Valley
Thursday, June 11, 2015 (in print: Friday, June 12, 2015) By Ken Maiuri - Daily Hampshire Gazette
http://www.gazettenet.com/artsentertainment/17182612-95/ken-maiuris-tuned-in-shokazoba-celebrates-new-cd-at-bishops-lounge-plus-other-music
“Afrobeat is the perfect vehicle to drop a heavy message in an uplifting way,” said Jason Moses, keyboardist/percussionist/vocalist for the Northampton ensemble Shokazoba.
Last month the Afrobeat-inspired band released its new album, “One Destiny,” and will celebrate with a show at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton Saturday at 10 p.m.
Shokazoba began a decade ago as a tribute project to Fela Kuti, the legendary Nigerian composer, performer and political radical who coined the Afrobeat name for his blend of traditional Ghanaian and Nigerian music, funk, highlife, jazz, heavy rhythms, chants and outspoken lyrics.
“Shokazoba was founded by activists on activist principles, and that’s majorly what drew us to Fela’s music,” Moses said. “In our opinion, the socially conscious and politically charged lyrics are just as much a part of the Afrobeat concept as anything else.”
The band eventually shifted its focus to creating original compositions, but the influence of Fela has stayed strong over the years, both in Shokazoba’s trancey, tumbling grooves and its members’ interest in infusing those rhythms with political messages.
“Green Paper Slaves” calls out parasitic politicians and corporations; “Puppets” shares its disgust for the current system of government; and the album-opening “Ordinary People” stands poised between a bleak future and a hopeful one. Keyboards burble and buzz, funky guitars chop and percolate, the horn section blasts its own announcements in unison over a tireless groove.
Shokazoba will debut four new members at the gig — Kimaya Diggs on lead vocals, Riley Godleski on drums, Kenny Lynch on guitar and Tobey LaRoche on percussion. Also on hand will be special guests Peter Van Siclen on horns and Alchemystics member Garrick “Force” Perry, who appears on two songs on the new album.
“One Destiny” — engineered, mixed and mastered by Sonelab’s Mark Alan Miller, who co-produced the record with Moses — adds hip-hop and psychedelic elements to the sound of the band, which also includes bassist Matthew Clegg, trumpet player Jason Mosall and trombonist Jeremy Starpoli.
Shokazoba celebrates new CD at Bishop’s Lounge, plus other music happenings this week in the Valley
Thursday, June 11, 2015 (in print: Friday, June 12, 2015) By Ken Maiuri - Daily Hampshire Gazette
http://www.gazettenet.com/artsentertainment/17182612-95/ken-maiuris-tuned-in-shokazoba-celebrates-new-cd-at-bishops-lounge-plus-other-music
“Afrobeat is the perfect vehicle to drop a heavy message in an uplifting way,” said Jason Moses, keyboardist/percussionist/vocalist for the Northampton ensemble Shokazoba.
Last month the Afrobeat-inspired band released its new album, “One Destiny,” and will celebrate with a show at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton Saturday at 10 p.m.
Shokazoba began a decade ago as a tribute project to Fela Kuti, the legendary Nigerian composer, performer and political radical who coined the Afrobeat name for his blend of traditional Ghanaian and Nigerian music, funk, highlife, jazz, heavy rhythms, chants and outspoken lyrics.
“Shokazoba was founded by activists on activist principles, and that’s majorly what drew us to Fela’s music,” Moses said. “In our opinion, the socially conscious and politically charged lyrics are just as much a part of the Afrobeat concept as anything else.”
The band eventually shifted its focus to creating original compositions, but the influence of Fela has stayed strong over the years, both in Shokazoba’s trancey, tumbling grooves and its members’ interest in infusing those rhythms with political messages.
“Green Paper Slaves” calls out parasitic politicians and corporations; “Puppets” shares its disgust for the current system of government; and the album-opening “Ordinary People” stands poised between a bleak future and a hopeful one. Keyboards burble and buzz, funky guitars chop and percolate, the horn section blasts its own announcements in unison over a tireless groove.
Shokazoba will debut four new members at the gig — Kimaya Diggs on lead vocals, Riley Godleski on drums, Kenny Lynch on guitar and Tobey LaRoche on percussion. Also on hand will be special guests Peter Van Siclen on horns and Alchemystics member Garrick “Force” Perry, who appears on two songs on the new album.
“One Destiny” — engineered, mixed and mastered by Sonelab’s Mark Alan Miller, who co-produced the record with Moses — adds hip-hop and psychedelic elements to the sound of the band, which also includes bassist Matthew Clegg, trumpet player Jason Mosall and trombonist Jeremy Starpoli.
Ken Maiuri's Tuned In
Thursday, August 22, 2013 (in print: Friday, August 23, 2013) By Ken Maiuri - Daily Hampshire Gazette
http://www.gazettenet.com/artsentertainment/8128281-95/ken-maiuris-tuned-in
Northampton’s award-winning Afrobeat band Shokazoba spent the first eight months of this year on an unplanned hiatus, as some longtime band members moved on and new ones joined the fold. The revamped nine-piece group is back in action at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton on Saturday at 10 p.m. Also on the bill are DJ Bongohead and KMD Sound.
Keyboardist and band spokesman Jason Moses detailed the band’s tumultuous period in an interview earlier this week. Some founding members started new projects, moved across the country, decided to concentrate on their families.
“Metamorphosis is not necessarily a comfortable process, especially if you don’t see it coming,” he said. “Without a broad perspective it can seem like things are ending.”
But though Shokazoba now found itself with no rehearsal space, no sound equipment and with its once-solid core of musicians in unpredictable flux, some soul searching (spurred on by their supportive friend, disc jockey Andujar) helped them figure things out.
“Introspectively, like many other New England creatures hibernating in winter, we went into a dormant state, allowing for a regeneration of focus, energy and enthusiasm,” Moses said, calling the band “a most rewarding, stimulating, and fun musical project, so why not try to put it back together and make it work?”
So now the politically charged Afrobeat ensemble is jamming and writing songs again, and Saturday night it’ll get back in front of a dancing crowd with new members Justin Tomsovic (drums), Joshua Owsley (bass), Pablo Yglesias (percussion) and Jeremy Starpoli (trombone), along with Jason Mosall on trumpet, Dave Moses on baritone sax, Nick D’Amico on guitar, Tim Bowman on percussion and Jason Moses on keys.
Thursday, August 22, 2013 (in print: Friday, August 23, 2013) By Ken Maiuri - Daily Hampshire Gazette
http://www.gazettenet.com/artsentertainment/8128281-95/ken-maiuris-tuned-in
Northampton’s award-winning Afrobeat band Shokazoba spent the first eight months of this year on an unplanned hiatus, as some longtime band members moved on and new ones joined the fold. The revamped nine-piece group is back in action at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton on Saturday at 10 p.m. Also on the bill are DJ Bongohead and KMD Sound.
Keyboardist and band spokesman Jason Moses detailed the band’s tumultuous period in an interview earlier this week. Some founding members started new projects, moved across the country, decided to concentrate on their families.
“Metamorphosis is not necessarily a comfortable process, especially if you don’t see it coming,” he said. “Without a broad perspective it can seem like things are ending.”
But though Shokazoba now found itself with no rehearsal space, no sound equipment and with its once-solid core of musicians in unpredictable flux, some soul searching (spurred on by their supportive friend, disc jockey Andujar) helped them figure things out.
“Introspectively, like many other New England creatures hibernating in winter, we went into a dormant state, allowing for a regeneration of focus, energy and enthusiasm,” Moses said, calling the band “a most rewarding, stimulating, and fun musical project, so why not try to put it back together and make it work?”
So now the politically charged Afrobeat ensemble is jamming and writing songs again, and Saturday night it’ll get back in front of a dancing crowd with new members Justin Tomsovic (drums), Joshua Owsley (bass), Pablo Yglesias (percussion) and Jeremy Starpoli (trombone), along with Jason Mosall on trumpet, Dave Moses on baritone sax, Nick D’Amico on guitar, Tim Bowman on percussion and Jason Moses on keys.
Shokazoba and Superswank - June 11 2010
Saturday, June 12 2010 Written by Bluebird http://www.bluebirdreviews.com/live-concerts/22-shokazoba-and-superswank-june-11-2010.html
Shokazoba is a ten piece Afrobeat ensemble that blends jazz and old school funk, with a West African beat that sets the foundation for a great community vibe. Their website describes their roots from Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti and our favorite Godfather of funk, James Brown. They have won several regional music awards and one visit to their show last night demonstrated that these were well deserved.
This ensemble was among the hardest working bands I've seen in a long time. The instrumentals and musical solos were creative, intense and non-stop. Their teamwork both with each other and with the crowd intensified the experience with its impeccable timing. They elevated with multiple blending, streaming sounds and then could stop on a dime for punch and simultaneously start again to re-engage.
Chemical Abuse was played early in the set with head on amazing wind instruments. The sax player was shared between Superswank and Shokazoba with increasing stamina as the night roared on. Kwame commanded the stage with a single note, "HA!" which gaslighted the crowd into its groovy trance. Their original tracks sounded somehow familiar, because they were so well done and rooted in several core genres, yet mixed in such a creative way, that the sound and tempo was fresh. "You guys like reggae?" shouted Kwame, announcing, "An original-by Shokazoba!" and he ducked back into his zone with the band for another dose of hypnotic energy for the crowd. I love that the trumpet player rocked out in his bare feet. "You're never ever gonna give up" commands Keith, singing from his drums. "Who's reality- no one knows?" sounded like a bit of old school rap with a reggae/funk influence. It was our reality, one infectious groove.
The musicians cued each other to keep the factors balanced among the amazing instrumental solos. These were songs of pride. They created a shared energy with each other and the crowd. As the evening went on, the audience became more cohesive and went deeper and deeper into a trancelike state. Even those who weren't dancing, were part of the collective Shokazoba unconscious.
Saturday, June 12 2010 Written by Bluebird http://www.bluebirdreviews.com/live-concerts/22-shokazoba-and-superswank-june-11-2010.html
Shokazoba is a ten piece Afrobeat ensemble that blends jazz and old school funk, with a West African beat that sets the foundation for a great community vibe. Their website describes their roots from Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti and our favorite Godfather of funk, James Brown. They have won several regional music awards and one visit to their show last night demonstrated that these were well deserved.
This ensemble was among the hardest working bands I've seen in a long time. The instrumentals and musical solos were creative, intense and non-stop. Their teamwork both with each other and with the crowd intensified the experience with its impeccable timing. They elevated with multiple blending, streaming sounds and then could stop on a dime for punch and simultaneously start again to re-engage.
Chemical Abuse was played early in the set with head on amazing wind instruments. The sax player was shared between Superswank and Shokazoba with increasing stamina as the night roared on. Kwame commanded the stage with a single note, "HA!" which gaslighted the crowd into its groovy trance. Their original tracks sounded somehow familiar, because they were so well done and rooted in several core genres, yet mixed in such a creative way, that the sound and tempo was fresh. "You guys like reggae?" shouted Kwame, announcing, "An original-by Shokazoba!" and he ducked back into his zone with the band for another dose of hypnotic energy for the crowd. I love that the trumpet player rocked out in his bare feet. "You're never ever gonna give up" commands Keith, singing from his drums. "Who's reality- no one knows?" sounded like a bit of old school rap with a reggae/funk influence. It was our reality, one infectious groove.
The musicians cued each other to keep the factors balanced among the amazing instrumental solos. These were songs of pride. They created a shared energy with each other and the crowd. As the evening went on, the audience became more cohesive and went deeper and deeper into a trancelike state. Even those who weren't dancing, were part of the collective Shokazoba unconscious.