Jembaa Groove dives into influences and musical traditions from both sides of the Atlantic. Built on the rhythmic heartbeat of West African highlife, the seven-piece Berlin-based group adds warm and organic elements from American 70s soul and jazz. The result is a stylish and diverse groove machine that hits straight to the body. After a remarkable concert at ALICE last year, the ensemble finally returns this February.

Jembaa Groove was born in Berlin in 2020 when bassist, composer, and producer Yannick Nolting teamed up with percussionist, vocalist, and songwriter Eric Owusu over a shared love for West African music. Their musical journey took off when several of Berlin’s top musicians in the field joined Jembaa Groove. The seven-member ensemble blends jazzy moods and hip-hop from the Berlin underground with West African highlife and adowa. Jembaa Groove’s band members have roots in Ghana, Israel, and Portugal, making their rehearsals a melting pot of linguistic, creative, and cultural exchange. Eric Owusu sings in the West African languages Ga, Yoruba, and Twi, as well as hybrid English, and the group draws inspiration from highlife pioneers like Ebo Taylor and Dr. K. Gyasi. Equally, they embrace the groove mechanics of American soul icons like Charles Bradley and Lee Fields, resulting in a stylish and versatile groove machine that moves the body.

With praise and airplay from media platforms worldwide – KEXP, BBC6, and Worldwide FM, to name a few – Jembaa Groove has made waves with their hybrid, eclectic, stylish, and captivating sound, which they showcased for the first time on their debut album Susuma (2022). Since then, their follow-up Ye Ankasa/We Ourselves (2024) has brought them even more international attention. Jembaa Groove has performed at festivals around the globe, including SXSW, Supersonic Jazz, and ESNS. They also gave an unforgettable concert at ALICE last year, and we can’t wait to welcome them back to our stage this February.

Lineup:
Eric Owusu (Ghana) – Vocals/percussion
Yannick Nolting (Germany) – Bass
Moses Yoofee Vester (Germany/Ghana) – Keyboard
Babatunde Agonglo (Benin) – Guitar
Nir Sabag (Israel) – Drums
Merav Goldman (Israel) – Brass
Goncalo Mortagua (Portugal) – Saxophone