Organic, Urgent, Afro-Funk Sound
Born in Hackney, East London, but soon to return to his parents’ native Nigeria at the age of four, Dele was schooled and raised in Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s shadow at the height of early 70s afrobeat. Chosen by Fela to join his band at a somewhat tender age, he was still a young man when sharing Fela’s Glastonbury stage in 1984. Dele went on to become Musical Director for both Fela’s Egypt 80 and later Femi Kuti’s Positive Force.
After Fela’s passing in 1997, Dele went on to concentrate on his solo career and, with diligent patience, carved out his own afrobeat crown. In London, where he now resides, his Afrobeat Vibration all-nighters are charged with Dele’s passion and unrelenting spirit, delivering Fela classics alongside his own compositions from two studio albums, Turbulent Times, and Identity.
Dele’s debut long-player for Wah Wah 45s, You No Fit Touch Am, is due for release in May 2015. It’s produced by Benedic Lamdin AKA Nostalgia 77 and cleverly combines the organic, urgent afro-funk sound of the former with the latter’s perfectly pitched production. Already receiving strong support on BBC 6Music and beyond!
Live Show
Dele’s live show is something colossal – a fully formed Afrobeat Orchestra filled to the brim with trademark horns, booming bass, twinkling guitars, a master of percussion, classic sounding vocals and that man himself on those keys. It’s a fully formed, often extended live experience that harks back to the seemingly never-ending shows at Fela’s Shrine.
The band is also available in smaller formats of course to meet appropriate events and budgets. See the tech spec section for more details.