Bossaphonik presents Agbeko

At Bossaphonik on Friday 17th July we are super excited to feature 12 piece Mancunian Afrobeat powerhouse Agbeko for the first time.

Agbeko have been erupting dancefloors across Europe since first taking the stage in 2016. Inspired by the lineage of Afrobeat from Fela Kuti through to Antibalas via modern-day psychedelia of The Heliocentrics and The Shaolin Afronauts, they seek to write their own chapter uniquely combining Ethio-jazz, British Protest Song and a penchant for the raucous. Channelled through an onslaught of horns, multi-percussion, driven grooves, moving lyrics and cathartic soloing, Agbeko's songs call out corruption and embolden the collective pull towards change and healing in our times. Penned by saxophonist Jamie Stockbridge and borne by a virtuosic, double-digit collective fronted by Amber Kuti & Mali Hayes, their music soundtracks a congregation revelling upon a world on the brink.

When the People Say, the latest album from Agbeko, is due for release in October 2026 – it showcases their knack at combining revelry with righteous anger on full display. This gig at Bossaphonik is the first of a summer launch tour in support of the album's lead single, ‘Know How’. This record builds upon their post-pandemic comeback, There Must Be Another Way (debut full-length studio album). Released in 2023 to critical acclaim internationally, the album garnered the attention of international radio from Groove Africa (Ghana), Radio Capital (Italy) and Radio 3 (Spain) to BBC Radio 6 (Tom Robinson, Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show), BBC Radio Manchester and Worldwide FM.

Since 2023, Agbeko’s line-up has solidified into a who’s-who of creative music-makers in North West England - demonstrating the depth of talent outside of the London-focussed scene. The latest generation as proud ambassadors to Manchester’s rich musical heritage, Agbeko opened WOMEX 24 at The Bridgewater Hall representing their home town. They have a decade-long track record performing at major UK festivals, from Green Man, Boomtown, Wilderness, Secret Garden Party, Kendal Calling to Manchester Jazz Festival and many more. Agbeko’s fearless musical spirit has equally seen them build a following overseas. Most recently giving their debut shows in Spain, they have headlined Dauphine Jazz Festival (Paris), as well as performing in Italy, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta.

“The spectacular chemistry shared by this large band is electric and emotive” – Songlines Magazine

“Agbeko's combination of youthful energy and musical substance makes for a thrilling sound” – Jazzwise

“Go and see them if you can for one of the best gigs of your life” - Now Then Magazine

Check out a trailer video of Agbeko performing in 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOu2V98_jM8

Check out a teaser video of Agbeko performing at Green Man Festival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7yotPEIQoA&t=36s

Check out a full Agbeko gig performing at The World’s Music at Oxford at St. Johns College in 2022 (starts at 3:57): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsck0Fuk3wE

Following on from the live music as ever is a Bossaphonik club session with Bossaphonik DJs Dan Ofer & DJ Badger treating the dancefloor til 1:30am to the sounds of… Jazz Funk * Afrobeat * Highlife * Brazilica * Latin Jazz * Cumbia * Global Hip Hop * Soul Jazz * Balkan Beats * Electro Swing * Global Grooves Galore * Nu Jazz Bizniz!

Friday 17th July Bossaphonik Presents Agbeko + Bossaphonik DJs Cowley Workers Social Club, Between Towns Road. OX4 3LZ (Near Templars Square Shopping Centre. Regular buses 1 and 5 from City Centre go up Cowley Road and back til 2:55am. Stopping opposite the venue) 8pm – 1:30am Band starts at 9:30pm £16 advance + £1.60 booking fee (wegottickets.com) / £18 student ID on door / £21 door

Hope to see you there!