The stage is set for a thrilling evening at Folken at this year’s Maijazz. Etuk Ubong is one of Nigeria’s most exciting musical voices right now – referred to by Seun Kuti as “one of the best things to come out of Lagos”. Trumpeter, composer and bandleader Ubong developed his very own exciting expression, which he himself calls Earth Music.
The music is a powerful and uncompromising mix of Afrobeat, highlife and jazz, woven together with the ritual drum tradition, Ekombi. The result is intense and energetic, but simultaneously deeply spiritual. The compositions reflect Ubong’s background, philosophy and strong belief in community, peace and love for humanity.
It’s easy to draw a comparison to the innovative British jazz scene and bands such as Sons of Kemet, yet Etuk Ubong’s expression is unmistakably Nigerian – rooted in tradition, but with a keen eye on the future.
Born in Akwa Ibom State in southern Nigeria and raised in Lagos, Ubong began playing the trumpet at the age of 14. He has studied at Peter King College of Music, MUSON School of Music and the University of Cape Town. At just 16 years of age, he was recruited into the band of legendary highlife pioneer Victor Olaiya – an environment that had previously also fostered Fela Kuti and Tony Allen. This paved the way to collaborations and tours with Buchi, Femi Kuti and his Positive Force, amongst others, including the award-winning South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini.
Today, Etuk Ubong is a central figure in Lagos’ music scene. He has established his own venue – The Truth – the most active concert venue in the city since Fela Kuti’s legendary Shrine, where he performs on stage several nights a week. He has gained an ever-growing audience internationally, especially in the UK, with significant performances and collaborations that have solidified his position as an artist at the forefront of a new global Afro-jazz movement.
Etuk Ubong has already played at some of the world’s most renowned festivals in Europe and North America – and live, Earth Music is an experience that both moves and challenges. This is music that grips the body, the head and the heart all at once. Come along to Folken and feel it for yourself!
Time and place:
Folken 09 May, 22:00 hrs.