Sacred Funk Quartet, a new all-star musical project featuring two-time Grammy Award-winning percussionist Lekan Babalola and acclaimed British clarinettist Kate Luxmoore, has announced their debut album, Tales of Orisa.
Not strangers to collaborations–having worked collaboratively with leading musicians in the past–the nine-track album, also showcases the remarkable talents of guitarist Reuben Reynolds and bassist Josh Vadiveloo.
Tales of Orisa is a musical journey rooted in the ancient sounds of the Yorùbá people of West Africa, combined with the infectious rhythms of Highlife. The album is both a tribute to the past and a bridge to the future. It honours the rich traditions of West African music, reimagining these timeless melodies for contemporary audiences.
The album’s first half explores traditional Orisa music, paying homage to centuries-old spiritual and cultural heritage. The second half celebrates the vibrant fusion of Western jazz with Ghanaian and Nigerian dance band traditions, blending these elements into an uplifting sound that speaks to the richness of African musical culture that dates back centuries.
Tales of Orisa not only celebrates the cultural heritage that has shaped global music but also pushes the boundaries of what can be created when ancient rhythms meet modern influences. The album opens the door to new musical possibilities by fusing tradition with innovation, ensuring these deeply rooted sounds continue to inspire future generations.
Speaking about the album, percussionist and composer, Lekan Babalola with Sacred Funk Quartet shares: “As an ensemble, our sound blends elements from our unique cultural roots with diverse influences encountered along the way. We are also keen on fostering a collective space where connections are rekindled, and where people can reconnect with beautiful music with deep cultural history.
“We are honoured to be presenting a captivating evening of infectious West African Highlife, a sound celebrated for its joyful and uplifting melodies, and revealing our newest work to the world.”
The Sacred Funk Quartet delves into a culture and music exported from West Africa across the New World, during the Transatlantic slave trade, leading to an explosion in musical creativity. This ‘music travel’ is a foundation for some of the most enduring music genres worldwide, including samba in Brazil, and rumba in Cuba. This global influence underscores the album’s exploration of how ancient melodies continue to inspire modern sounds–also acting as a form of documentation of past sounds for future audiences.
Clarinettist, composer, and arranger, Kate Luxmoore whose musical journey has spanned different genres and styles of playing from classical to folk, afrobeat, and jazz highlights the project’s significance: “This ancient music relates to the Yoruba ‘pantheon’ and a way of life celebrated in Cuba, Brazil, and other parts of the New World. We are keen on preserving these unique sounds and sharing them with the world.”
This is why Sacred Funk Quartet will share this joyful celebration of West African heritage, with audiences in London (Vortex Jazz Club on September 20, 2024), South Herefordshire (Linton Village Hall on December 6, 2024) and Birmingham (BMusic on December 12, 2024). More dates, more venues, and more cities will also be shared on the band’s social media in the coming months.
Buy Tales of Orisa everywhere you buy music: Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music
