Round Midnight presents Jembaa Groove
+ DJ Amy Nomvula (Tropical Shakedown)
“Their debut album is a groovy blend of traditional West African and highlife rhythms infused with classic jazz and soul touchpoints that’s all complemented beautifully by Owusu’s vocals.” KEXP
“Legendary stuff!…sounding beautiful” Cerys Matthews (BBC6 Music)
“They blend beautifully on a parade of chilled and catchy tracks. Bassist Yannick Nolting’s Arrangements are spot on. The Album would make any audiophile’s sound system sing.” Songlines Magazine
“This Jembaa Groove is so good!” Coco Maria (Worldwide FM)
After garnering massive support from the international media world (KEXP,BBC 6,Gilles Peterson, Soulection, WDR, FIP etc) of the back of their debut album “Susuma” in 2022, Jembaa Groove come forth with their second studio album “Ye Ankasa/We ourselves”.
Lead by singer and percussion legend Eric Owusu and bass player and producer Yannick Nolting the Berlin- based outfit has established itself as an international touring band over the past 2 years recording a BBC6 Session at Maida Vale Studios and playing some of the finest stages around the globe such as SXSW, Supersonic Jazz and ESNS, while many more are about to come on
their upcoming release tour in 2024 including London (Jazz Cafe), Paris (New Morning), Madrid (Sala Villanos), Berlin (Gretchen), Amsterdam (Paradiso), Sao Paolo (Blue Note) and many more.
Infused by fundamental elements of Ghanian Highlife from the 70s the band has its own take on a number of influences that goes far beyond just trying to imitated the greats that came before. The band consists of former band members of Tony Allen, Ebo Taylor, Pat
Thomas and Orlando Julius. Playing and recording with these legends of Highlife and Afrobeat for decades surely shaped their perception of sound. With their rousing and energetic live performances they have made themselves a name throughout Europe and
beyond. While carrying the audience through a mix of tight arrangements and spontaneous improvisation you better be around when Jembaa Groove takes off to groove and lets you float through a variety of dreamy hornlines, stirring guitars and celestial vocals.
Being a mix of members of African and European descend hailing from different corners of the planet Jembaa Groove blend a melting pot of influences that melt into what they say is a contemporary take on Highlife,Jazz and Soul. The band represents their very own and new sound which they consider is ever evolving as going through life in a progressive way means having your eyes and ears open to everything happening around you at any time. “Ye Ankasa/We ourselves” is a call for action and authenticity. Don’t wait till others do it, we can do it ourselves. And also don’t try to be someone you are not. Find youself, Be yourself.
