Bantu

Adé Bantu's musical collective Bantu a Nigerian-German collaboration mixing hip hop and fuji in an Afropean soundclash. A pioneer of the German hip-hop movement from the start, Adé is among the central figures who have shaped the genre.

Born to a German mother and a Nigerian father in England, then relocated to Cologne, Germany, his spicy Afropean stew is a natural blend of both continents' traditions. Drawing from his forefathers' roots and his experience in the African diaspora in Europe, Adé uses a variety of urban styles and sounds—from R&B through hip-hop to ragga—to contribute another shade to the soundtrack of a global Africa: profoundly rooted in Yoruba history yet dripping with Western production standards, deeply sensual yet utterly spiritual, thoroughly individual yet highly political.

The political aspect was exercised especially effectively with AfroGerman group Brothers Keepers. The all-star ensemble, masterminded by Adé Bantu, combines artistic versatility with a clear political statement, taking an outspoken stand against racist violence and anti-immigrant in Germany.

Adewale Ayuba is the master of Nigeria's next generation of Fuji music. As "Fuji Ambassador" he has started to spread the vibe of West African dancehalls from his Lagos club, Skindles, straight to the Americas, Europe and beyond. Known for his captivating vocal arrangements and fluent drum patterns, he is particularly famous for his energetic live shows that can last up to seven hours.

Finally, the constant reworking and revitalization of all the ingredients — from the ancient rituals of Ayuba's African heritage to the varying styles and fashions of the West — is an absolute must. For in Fuji philosophy, what has become static has become meaningless. —Courtesy Calabash Music