The Shaolin Afronauts
The Shaolin Afronauts are an Adelaide afrobeat group active since 2009. Their sound draws on afrobeat, avant-garde jazz, soul and traditional African and Cuban percussion, and they are styled after Fela Kuti’s Africa 70 and Sun Ra.
Formation and early development
The group forms in Adelaide in 2009 out of a shared interest in afrobeat and creative improvised music. It begins as a support act for The Transatlantics before developing its own live sets. Over the following months, it settles into a large lineup and builds a repertoire of original material.
Releases and recognition
By 2011, the band plays extensively across Australia and is booked for Womadelaide in South Australia. That same year it signs to Freestyle Records and releases its debut album, Flight of the Ancients. The album receives attention on Radio National Breakfast, community radio, street press and Triple J.
In 2012, the band releases its second album, Quest Under Capricorn, on Freestyle Records. It is recorded in January 2012 with an expanded ensemble of 18 musicians.
Members
The Shaolin Afronauts include Brenton Foster, Jon Hunt, Dylan Marshall, Ross McHenry, Adam Page, Jarrad Payne, Locky Ridge, Chris Weber, Kevin van der Zwaag and Joel Prime.
forum Join the Discussion
Sign in to joinNo comments yet
Be the first to weigh in.