When Ethio jazz meets Afrobeat sound
We’re delighted to announce another new addition to the Batov Records family!
The brass-heavy Belgian ensemble Kolonel Djafaar has a fantastic debut EP on the way entitled Cold Heat, and you can listen/download the new single at the link below. 🔥 🔥 🔥
Kolonel Djafaar has built up a reputation across Belgium for their roof-raising live shows, reinterpreting the groove of Ethiopian jazz with a psych-rock edge, a mindblowing big band brass section, and a touch of Afrobeat. Formed in 2016, the band earned their stripes whipping crowds into a frenzy with a big band brass, Ethio jazz meets Afrobeat sound, influenced by Mulatu Astatke, Budos Band, and Fela Kuti. With a reputation on stage spreading, along with support from Radio Mukambo and Tropicalidad, the ensemble’s popularity grew across Belgium and beyond. The ensemble took the road to some of Europe’s most exciting festivals, notably Ghent Jazz, host to the likes of Mulatu and Kamasi Washington.
On the debut single “Bactrian Camel” Kolonel Djafaar’s four-man brass section picks up a thundering groove, only for the organ-led rhythm section to answer with their own snaking retort, and electric guitar riffing adds a further Middle Eastern flavour to the stew. The track builds to a striking crescendo as the power of this exciting nine-piece is unleashed!
Very limited Bandcamp stock (test pressing is already sold out)!
So what do you get when Ethio jazz meets Afrobeat sound = Kolonel Djafaar