Konkolo Orchestra is a Zurich/Switzerland based project initiated by multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer Alexis Malefakis. With strong jazzy afrobeat and highlife references, Konkolo Orchestra pays homage to musical innovators such as Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Tony Oladipo Allen, Ebo Taylor and many more.This first album continues the warm, vibrant, percussive motif of the hugely popular 'Blue G.' single of 2022. For those who like their music to inspire journey and movement, this album is the equivalent of gatecrashing a wedding party where even granny can get her groove on.Malefakis is hardly rewriting the afrobeat textbook here, but his production charms the listener with a confident mastery of the genre. His compositions have a distinct personality and a tight structure, and are peppered with a talented array of guest vocalists: Nongoma (South Africa), Sir Frank Karikari (Ghana) and Kitio Batola (Congo); alongside Eric Owusu (Ghana) on percussion. The uplifting lyrics and joyful melodies are held together by a powerhouse horn section bearing all the swinging hallmarks of a highlife fanfare. Hard to define the standout tracks when the entire oeuvre gels together so well as a festive fusion. But worth mentioning, 'Yese Yese', featuring the shrill, enticing vocals of Sir Frank Karikari (son of Ralph Karikari, legendary highlife bass player), a track that slows down the pace leaving room for the horns and voice to deepen the groove. Similarly, 'Future Pasts', a seemingly modest call to personal realization, soon has you caught in swirling rhythms and a deceptively hypnotic groove. Deeply funky and syncopated, Malefakis has produced a motivational winter warmer for both feet and spirit.Tracklisting:A1. Blue G. (feat. Nongoma) (8:12)A2. Future Pasts (feat. Nongoma) (6:50)A3. Yese Yese (feat. Sir Frank Karikari) (5:39)A4. That Good Thing (5:28)B1. Count Your Blessings (feat. Nongoma) (8:16)B2. Cover up the Bruises (feat. Nongoma) (6:26)B3. Le Secret (feat. Kitio Batola) (5:52)B4. All You Want to Be (6:36)
Release date:
February 9, 2024
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Lord Of The Lost OPVS NOIR Vol. 1
Napalm Records
August 8, 2025 -
Steven Bamidele THE CRASH!
Tru Thoughts
September 5, 2025 -
Hazlett Last Night You Said You Missed Me (Red/Black)
Nettwerk Records
September 12, 2025 -
Various Artists Look at All the Love We Found: A Tribute to Sublime [3xLP]
Sublime Recordings
August 29, 2025 -
Lanie Gardner Faded Polaroids (Brown) [2xLP]
Bmg
September 5, 2025 -
Buscabulla Se Amaba Así
Domino Record Co
September 12, 2025 -
Unleashed Fire Upon Your Lands
Napalm Records
August 15, 2025 -
Kathleen Edwards Billionaire
Dualtone Music Group
August 22, 2025 -
John Prine Lost Dogs + Mixed Blessings [2xLP]
Oh Boy
September 12, 2025 -
Idlewild Idlewild
V2 Records
October 3, 2025 -
Genesis The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway [7xLP]
Atlantic Catalog Group
September 26, 2025 -
KAROL G Tropicoqueta (Tangerine) (Amazon Exclusive) [2xLP]
Bichota Records/Interscope
September 26, 2025 -
Higher Power There's Love In This World If You Want It in sleeve
Nuclear Blast
September 19, 2025 -
Bad Suns Accelerator
Epitaph
August 8, 2025