At the tender age of 16 Dele Sosimi joined Fela Kuti and his band The Egypt 80, where he resumed his role as rhythm keyboardist for seven years between 1979 to 1986. For many of you, Fela Kuti needs no introduction, but for those still unaware, he was Africa’s biggest musical superstar of all time. He created his own genre of music called afrobeat – a fusion of West African highlife, US funk and big band jazz. His music was charged with anti-colonialist social values and vocal political dissent of Nigeria’s corrupt military regime which he repeatedly risked his life for. He became a voice for the marginalised masses across West Africa and was known affectionately as The Black President.

Dele Sosimi featured on Fela’s following hits: ‘Original Sufferhead’, ‘Authority Stealing’, ‘International Thief Thief’ and ‘Power Show’. In 1986 Dele Sosimi left Fela’s band to become arranger and bandleader for Fela’s son, Femi Kuti and his band The Positive Force. They toured extensively and produced three albums. In 1995 Dele left and moved to London where he created his own afrobeat orchestra. Later, in 2010 Dele was appointed as afrobeat music consultant for the London production of FELA! at the National Theatre, in which he also played keyboards.

The afrobeat orchestra which is to play at this Bossaphonik event will be in eight-piece form, the most typical of his arrangements, although sometimes he also performs as a huge 15-piece. With this band afrobeat is lovingly given virtuoso treatment from musicians whose communication is near-telepathic. Expect funky rhythm guitars, pulsating drums, fiery percussion, call and response vocals and blazing horns.

Dele Sosimi and band members are also giving a free afrobeat music workshop from 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm at Fusion Arts, behind East Oxford Community Centre. Bring instruments!