To quote minimal man, "Damn, there's a lot going on here!" That might just be an understatement. The Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble consists of 13 core members from around the world, playing everything from congas, keys, sax, vocals, etc, (plus 12 extended family members that lend a hand when needed) that create an amazing fusion of African, Afro-cuban, jazz and funk with deep roots in the Fela style. Just take a listen to the intense musicality of "B.F.B.F.(1)." These cats know what they're doing... for serious. It might take a few listens for it all to sink in, but once it does it's like "whoa." Flipside features "Jeje L'Aiye(2)" with reggae saxophone legend Cedric "Im" Brooks, another stunning piece with a killer afro-funk groove deeply rooted in the West African style. Two modern afrobeat masterpieces on the same 12"? If you're into afrobeat, broken beat, Fela, or good fusion music in general, cop this immediately. I see you T-Kat.

reviewed by snackmaster