Jembaa Groove – Ye Ankasa | We Ourselves (Agogo Records, 2024)
Jembaa Groove is a Berlin-based collective that presents engaging and colorful music deeply grounded in Ghanaian highlife. Ye Ankasa | We Ourselves features timeless songs that incorporate highlife flavors, irresistible grooves, warm soulful vocals, alluring horn riffs, exquisite guitar lines, mesmerizing electric piano, and elegant contemporary jazz elements.
Ye Ankasa is enriched by the collaboration of both young and seasoned talents from Ghana and its diaspora. Renowned vocalists such as K.O.G from Sheffield and Gyedu Blay Ambolley, a veteran of the 70s and 80s highlife scene, contribute their masterful performances. Eric Owusu, co-founder of Jembaa Groove, leads with vocals in Twi, Ga, and Pidgin English, maintaining the group’s distinct Ghanaian identity.
Over the past two years, Jembaa Groove has garnered acclaim globally, with notable appearances on platforms like BBC 6 Music, SXSW, ESNS, and Supersonic Jazz Festival. Their live shows and album launches in London, Paris, Madrid, and Berlin signal a promising trajectory for Afro-Jazz infused with contemporary soul and highlife influences.
Collaborating with London-based musician and producer Kwame Yeboah, who appears prominently on most tracks, Jembaa Groove draws inspiration from their shared upbringing in Accra and their involvement in the Kwashibu Area Band. The band’s diverse lineup, spanning continents, contributes to their eclectic sound, characterized by a combination of highlife, jazz, and soul.
The album, primarily recorded in Berlin with one track recorded in Ghana, reflects a commitment to capturing the essence of their roots while infusing fresh perspectives. Tracks like “Dabia” and “Agya” highlight the band’s fusion of superb guitars, captivating vocals, and intricate horn arrangements, delivering messages of perseverance and homage to paternal figures.
“Makoma,” features a moving excerpt from Ghanaian President Kwame Nkrumah, underscoring the band’s dedication to addressing significant themes such as colonialism.
“Jembaa Groove is all about positive vibes. We try to promote positivity, togetherness and respect. But also try to remind others as well as ourselves that destiny lies in our hands, and that you can’t take things for granted. If you want something, go for it, but respect the people!” say Yannick & Eric (Jembaa Groove)
Musicians: Eric Owusu on vocals, percussion, backing vocals; Kwame Yeboah on drums, guitar, organ, Rhodes; Yannick Nolting on bass, additional guitars; Doron Segal on Rhodes, organ, additional keyboards; Daniel Allen Oberto on trumpet; Gonçalo Martágua on sax; Merav Goldman on horn; Gyedu Blay Ambolley on vocals; Kweku Sackey on vocals; Aziza Jaye on backing vocals; Francis Osei on drums; and Paakow on shekere, cowbell.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.