Define your genre in five words or less:
Afrobeat that moves them feet!
Bearing the terrible clichéd nature of this question, what do you reckon people will say you sound like?
The funk of Fela’s Africa, the rhythms of the tropics, the swagger of Parliament and the fire of Public Enemy.
Tell us about the last song you wrote.
The System features vocals from our very own Lamine Sonko, a Senegalese singer, percussionist and dancer. It’s something for the dance floor but his lyrics have their own force. As Fela Kuti said ‘music is the weapon’ and we always aim to bring that spirit, Lamine nailed it on this one.
Describe the best gig you have ever played.
19 band members deep in the groove on the main stage at WOMAD with added fire courtesy of MC Tumi of South Africa – a collaborator, friend and inspiration. We thought it was all over when the heavens opened but instead the crowd just danced even harder and we found a new gear.
Where would you like to be in five years?
With so many people in our band it feels like one big family so hopefully we’ll all be living in our own castle that has been declared an independent state, playing afrobeat all day and sticking it to the man.
Do you have a pre-gig ritual? If so, what is it?
Someone find MC 1/6! Also whenever we are on tour, a big ritual always involves having a West African feast lovingly cooked by one of our backing singer/dancers Kukuaa Acqua- chicken stew, jollof rice, goat soup and a little palm wine, that lady is a genius.
Name an interview question you wish someone would ask you, and answer it.
Q: How does it feel to have a number one hit in 24 countries simultaneously, despite the fact this is Afrobeat music and only available as a 7″ vinyl single on the Hope Street record label?
A: Yeah, it’s alright I guess.
If your music was a chocolate bar, which one would it be, and why?
A Pollywaffle. It looks a little funky, it smells a little funky but one taste and you will want to get down.
