The Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra

The Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra

The Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra is a Leeds-based group playing afrobeat with influences from Fela Kuti’s Africa 70, James Brown and Tony Allen, as well as space jazz from the 1970s and free jazz from the 1960s. The band forms in 2007 after a series of jam sessions at Sela Bar in Leeds. Its sound combines afrobeat rhythm and language with jazz-derived elements, placing it within a broad mix of afrobeat, funk, jazz, soul and world music.

Early development and label

After a couple of years of shaping its sound, the band signs to independent label First Word Records in 2009. Much of the group’s early recording work takes place at Analog Rooms in Elland, where its first single and debut album are recorded and mixed.

Recordings

The Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra’s first single appears in January 2010 on 7-inch vinyl. The A-side is a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s Crosstown Traffic, while the B-side is an original track, Lost in Kinchasa. The band’s self-titled debut album, Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra, follows in November 2010 on digital download and CD.

Live activity and recognition

In 2010 the group performs widely across the UK, including at London venues Plan B and Vibe Bar, The Wardrobe in Leeds, Limetree Festival and Shambala festival. It also plays a live session for the Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show on BBC 6 Music in late October 2010. The following month Jamie Cullum names the band among his “sounds and new bands of the year” after playing it on BBC Radio 2.