Evolving Pan-African Music Act Okavango African Orchestra Unveil ‘Migration’

Okavango African Orchestra – Migration (Okavango African Orchestra, 2023)

On November 1, 2023, Okavango released their third album titled Migration, “Our music is not static, it’s constantly evolving, and like the animals in the Okavango delta that migrate to greener pastures, the music of Okavango endeavors to reach new territory of migration and exploration. We are not just playing music, we are introducing new concepts, ideas, and ways of working together.”

The Okavango African Orchestra unites musicians/composers from diverse African backgrounds in Toronto and Montreal, Canada. Named after Botswana’s Okavango Delta, the orchestra mirrors the coexistence of varied animal species, masterfully bridging historically separate African cultures. Their fantastic albums, including Migration, present evolving musical languages. Indeed, Okavango’s performances highlight multicultural influences, bringing together diverse genres and rhythms from various parts of the African continent. It is engaging and addictive music that takes the listener on a journey toward an “Africa without borders.”

Multiple instruments, languages, and countries define Okavango African Orchestra. The JUNO (top Canadian music award) award-winning group Okavango African Orchestra is an ambitious musical ensemble created by Batuki Music Society, Artistic Director Nadine McNulty. She assembled a cast of accomplished African-born musicians who now live in Toronto and Montreal.

Musicians: Daniel Nebiat on krar, vocals; Kofi Ackah on percussion, vocals; Tichaona Maredza on mbira, guitar; Sadio Sissokho on kora, tama, jembe, vocals; Ebenezer Agyekum on bass, vocals; Assane Seck on lead guitar, vocals; Aron Niyitunga on guitar, vocals; and Mabinty Sylla, dance.

Buy Migration.

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.