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[email protected]   www.facebook.com/shokazoba  shokazoba.bandcamp.com  www.instagram.com/shokazoba
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Shokazoba (a Nigerian term for "shock absorber") is an uncompromisingly conscious all original eight piece award winning deeply listenable irresistibly danceable horn driven New World Funk powerhouse known for producing high energy music to uplift the body, inspire the mind and ignite the soul. Founded in 2005 as a tribute to Fela Kuti, their mission is to promote greater human awareness and positive social changes through their polyrhythmic trance music.
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Shokazoba’s sound blends a wide range of influences taking listeners on a wild ride of transformative creative discovery. Their commitment to true egalitarianism, universal empathy and respect for all individuals is reflected in their powerful thought provoking lyrics, tackling important sociopolitical topics with unwavering passionate honesty. At it's core Shokazoba’s music is of a spiritual derivation, one that fosters deep soulful connections through the collaborative joys of celebratory dance.
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A five-time winner of the Best of the Valley by the Valley Advocate Reader's Poll, nominated for Live Act of the Year at the New England Music Awards, and crowned winners of the 2017 Valley Music Showcase, Shokazoba has received numerous accolades, including recognition from the African Jazz Review. As they approach their 22th anniversary, they’re hard at work on a new album set to exceed all expectations. Their compositions continue to evolve, brimming with unparalleled creative energy, so get ready for an unforgettable experience that will leave you absolutely blown away in the best way possible.
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(Some) Noteworthy Performance Venues:
LIT Fest ME, Inn on the Blues ME, Parkville Market CT, Race Brook Lodge MA, Cisco Brewers NH & MA, Warner Fall Foliage Festival NH, One River Festival VT, Whip City Brewfest MA, Green River Festival MA, Colonial Theater MA, Skinny Pancake VT & NH, Red Square VT, Garlic & Arts Festival MA, Columbia University Earth Day Festival NYC, Somerville Jazz & Blues Festival MA, Theodore's Blues & BBQ MA, Discover Burlington Jazz Festival VT, Harry Brown's Farm ME, MGM Springfield MA, HiLo MA, The Ritz MA, The Brewmaster's Tavern MA, Hatbox Theater NH, Parlor Newport RI, Charlie O's VT, Extravaganja MA, The Hive NH, Some Kind of Jam PA, Meeting of the Minds PA, Brooklyn Bowl NYC, Strange Creek Music Festival MA, Boston Cannabis Freedom Rally MA, The Shrine NYC, The Middle East MA, Exhibit A Brewing MA, Club Bohemia MA, Luthier's Co-op MA, The Milky Way Lounge MA, Opus Underground MA, BSP Kingston NY, Chatham Brewing NY, New City Brewery MA, Tree House Brewery MA, Drunken Rabbit Brewing MA, First Night Northampton MA, Union Station MA, Whetstone Station VT, The Taste of Amherst MA, The Taste of The Valley MA, Amherst Outdoor Concert Series MA, The Main Pub CT, La Boca CT, Latchkey NH, The Press Room NH, Brick & Ash MA, Zenbarn VT, Empire ME, Parish Public House NY, Pitman's Freight Room NH, Charlemont Reggae Festival MA, Sanctuary for Independent Media NY, 1794 Meetinghouse MA, Penuche's Music Hall NH, Warwick Town Hall Concert Series MA, New Africa House MA, The Oasis Pub CT, Rockwood Music Hall NY, StArt on the Street MA, Electric Haze MA, The Shea Theater MA, Upper Valley Music Festival MA, Mill Number 5 MA, Cannery Music Hall MA, Amherst Block Party MA, Jamherst MA, Schackstock MA, L'Escalier Montreal Canada, Energy Park Concert Series MA, Bella Terra Music Festival NY, Harlow's Pub NH, Deja Brew Pub MA, Stone Church VT & NH, NuBlu NYC, Maggy's Lounge MA, Stomping Ground CT, Bishop's Lounge MA, Iron Horse Music Hall MA, Hawks & Reed Performance Art Center MA, Gateway City Arts MA, Arch Street Tavern CT, Black Eyed Sally's CT, Stella Blues CT, Christy's Irish Pub CT, Courthouse Center for the Arts RI, Riverwalk Cafe & Music Bar NH, The Parlour RI, Green Door Pub VT

SHOKAZOBA 2026

PRESS:
"Shokazoba is an Afrobeat ensemble that blends jazz and old school funk with a West African beat that sets the foundation for a great community vibe." ​- Bluebird Reviews
​"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." - http://bandsforbernie.co
​"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, new and makes you want to listen for a deeper understanding." - CMJ
"New England Afrofunk Ensemble embracing Fela's legacy with a conscious message delivered in powerful danceable music." - ​Iohann Vega, Radioplasma
"It's a fantastic track: like musical ​gold flowing through my head."  ​Andy Mattholie, Jazz Central on Sine FM
LIT Festival ME 7/23/21 
ONE DESTINY 2015

CONGRESS FOR SALE 2010