Avishai Cohen Banda ‘Iroko‘

It’s a world premiere! The Israeli bassist and singer Avishai Cohen has chosen Le Châtelet  to present his new Afro-Caribbean project.

He has surrounded himself with musicians who used to play with him in small New York clubs in the early 90s: Iroko is the realisation of a long-standing dream I had when I met Abraham Rodrigues Jnr, a Puerto Rican singer and Congas player who is now on stage with me. Joining them are Horacio ‘El Negro’ Hernandez, Cuban drummer and percussionist; Yosvany Terry, Cuban saxophonist; Diego Urcola, Argentine trumpeter and trombonist.

“Iroko” is the name of a tree that is sacred in some West African cultures where it originated. The Yoruba people believe that it is inhabited by a spirit that can be heard in the houses built from its wood, as the spirit of the Iroko is trapped there.

First part
Akoda

They have fun and on stage their complicity is obvious and makes you want to follow them. The Akoda trio was formed in 2011 around the Reunionese pianist and composer Valérie Chane Tef. Their rich, syncopated rhythms, joyful melodies and accessible, catchy tunes appeal to a wide audience that can’t stay put. Biguine, mazurka, maloya, afro, jazz: Akoda’s energy has no equal. It takes us on board, to the rhythm of our hearts. Their latest album Nout’Souk, released in March 2022, was selected by FIP, RFI and France Musique.