This afrobeat ensemble uniquely blends pumping polyrhythms that inspire manic dancing and lyrics that make you think.

Watch our short documentary on Asiko, including interviews and concert footage.While growing up in Nigeria, all Foly Kolade ever heard on the radio was Western pop. Then, one day at a party he was introduced to the music of afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. The music—a high-energy rhythm infused with a political message—spoke to him. Kolade knew that he had to play the music of his homeland.

Kolade later moved to America and got together with a crew of New York-based musicians (Patrick Wolff, Matt Brown, Joel Feinberg, Jesse Sheehan, JTR3, Sunday Bada, Dania Reid, Jay Melton, Elliott Sneider and Matt Silverstein) to form Asiko.

He wants to stay faithful to what he loved about afrobeat: percussion-heavy polyrhythm, lengthy, repetitive grooves, large, invigorating horn sections and lyrics thick with social concern. Kolade allows the band members to put their own spin on the music, which is possibly why Asiko’s sound also contains rock and reggae elements.

The group has brought their dynamic live show everywhere: from community events to smoky bars, AIDS awareness festivals to venues in Kolade’s native Nigeria. They almost never fail to whip the crowd into a dancing frenzy.

In our interactive graphic, find out about some other bands that have a similar style to Asiko.Listen to the songs “Jabiti” and “Naija Politics” by Asiko.