Elikeh - 'Adje! Adje!'

Out of Washington, D.C., come Afrobeat purveyors Elikeh (“Africans”) led by Togolese native Massama Dogo.

Dogo provides sharp politically and socially aware songs in the spirit of Afrobeat’s late charismatic founder, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. His original tunes – sung in a passionate voice somewhere between Fela and Bob Marley – deal with capitalistic greed, political corruption, ethnic/cultural pride and the struggle for justice. But even though Dogo’s tuneful polemics tackle lofty ideas and i­deals, the tunes are wrapped in bouncing ’70s funk/soul and indigenous African rhythms creating the all-important groove. Unlike classic Afrobeat’s sprawling, seriously long jams, Elikeh keeps it relatively tight and dance-floor friendly as the jangly, lilting guitars of Dogo and Michael Shereikis dance on top of the band’s blaring brass and infectious, unrelenting beats.

For a blast of contemporary Afrobeat that reveres Fela’s traditions, Elikeh keeps it moving and grooving.

– Eric Feber, The Pilot

Tracks to download Title cut and “Get Ready”

Buy "Adje! Adje!" in MP3 format  (Link goes to Amazon.com)