Abakuya, a folk and jazz group inspired by Cameroonian oral traditions, has gained international recognition through their enchanting performances across Europe since their debut in 2006. Their music blends traditional African sounds with contemporary formats, aiming to connect audiences with sacred music while promoting cultural heritage. Following the success of their 2008 album 'Primitive Love', they are preparing for a season of concerts in 2010.

1. *For immediate release* dec. 2009
ABAKUYA
After catapulting into the global world, folk and jazz music scenes with concerts in
festivals and venues from Switzerland to Cameroon, Portugal to Germany, Denmark,
Belgium and France, ABAKUYA are heading towards another season of touring
promising to deliver some of the most mesmerising and enchanting concerts of 2009.
Since their 2006 debut with an exchange program run by the Akiba Association in
Cameroon, Paris-based African meets Western music project ABAKUYA has only
strengthened their craftsmanship, their musical traits remaining the same: enchanting,
transporting and invigorating long past the final notes resonate on stage, the audience
float on smiling and the festival packs up.
Traditional/world/folk/jazz fusion outfit, the incomparable ABAKUYA is also the voice of a
sacred and endangered music. Inspired by Cameroonian oral tradition and created by
renowned musician and Bulu storyteller FRANCOIS ESSINDI, in collaboration with
consummate Australian musician and composer JIMI SOFO, ABAKUYA’s music is the
result of a search for the healing elements of polyphonic traditional music from central
Africa, specifically the Ekang and le Bal (pronounced Bol) with their fascinating rhythms
and histories.
By presenting traditional music in a contemporary format, the group allows global
audiences access to these sacred sounds. In the universe of ABAKUYA, Essindi, Sofo
and regular guest musicians present the acoustic and electric bass, violin, accordion and
drums weaved magically with traditional voice, percussion, and instruments such as the
mvet, and the ngômo (central African harps).
Following the successful release of their debut album PRIMITIVE LOVE in 2008,
ABAKUYA are now finalising their bookings and gearing up for festivals and concerts in
2010.
For bookings, press and more information please contact
ABAKUYA
HYPERLINK "mailto:abakuya@gmail.com" abakuya@gmail.com
Canada : Maryka Légaré, phone; 514-432-4473 St Lazare, Québec
France: +3316 27 52 32/ +331 43 67 26 63
Suisse: jimi sofo, +33614498210/ +41774177500 HYPERLINK "http://
www.myspace.com/abakuya" www.myspace.com/abakuya