BAOKU & The Image Afro-beat Band
Afro-beat is a fusion of jazz, pop, funk, blues and traditional African rhythmic percussion and lyrics popularized in Nigeria, in the 1970s, by the legendary father of Afro-beat, Fela Kuti. Afro-beat music is known all over the world to be music of peace, love, justice, freedom, unity, equality and revolution.
Meet the Cincinnati based band that stands apart “BAOKU &The;Image Afro-beat Band”, a 10 piece powerhouse of pure musical energy that carries forward powerful messages of love, hope, peace and unity for all. The band is comprised of some of Cincinnati’s most talented and seasoned musicians, complete with horn section, guitar, bass, drum set, lead and backup vocals, two highly skilled percussionists to keep the dance floor-jumping and more. The Image Afro-beat Band is very popular in Cincinnati area and routinely plays at large street fairs and clubs such as the Blue Wisp, Northside Tavern and south gate house. They have also appeared at several festivals such as Louisville World Cultural Festival, African Festival (Cincinnati Museum), Yellow Spring Blues Festival, World Music Festival (Cincinnati) and many more. The band is currently #1 in Cincinnati on the World Music Chat of Reverbnation and had also been nominated for the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards for Best World Music six years in a row.
Baoku, the founder, lead singer and percussionist of the band is a Nigerian performing artist with over 17 years of experience as an African drummer, dancer, actor, singer, composer and eight years as the band leader of The Image Afro-beat Band.
CITY BEAT: The Image Afro-beat Band is simply the best Afro-beat band in the Midwest." - Mike Breen, City Beat
AFROPOP.ORG: Baoku is a gifted Afro-beat musician, but he also has a passionate commitment to justice as did Fela Kuti. The Image Afro-beat Band, his current group, brings together musicians from different backgrounds. - Dorothy Johnson-Laird - Afropop.org
Cincinnati needs more Afrobeat and we got it from Baoko…His creative use of percussion with strains of American jazz is a masterpiece." - Rick Bird, Cincinnati Post
Fan comment: Baoku & the Image Afro Beat Band, led by an unusually talented and animated performer, Baoku Moses, will get you excited about an emerging local band – Richard Lemker
Members: Baoku Moses: Lead Vocal/percussion/songwriter, Mark Karapondo: Bass, Mark Milano: Guitar, Joey Tenenbaum: Guitar, Ryan Moore: Drum-set, Derek Rekmel: Percussion, Walter tucker: Trumpet, Randy Villars: Saxophone, Collin Thomson: Trombone
ADDRESS: Baoku Moses 2401 Grandview Ave #9 Cincinnati, OH 45206 PHONE: 513-266-2070
baoku@baokutcr.com www.myspace.com/baoku www.baokuiseotan.com www.facebook.com/baoku
