Bukky Leo

Bukky Leo
Background information
Birth nameLeoford Olubukola Afolabi
Born (1957-11-22) November 22, 1957 (age 67)
Paddington, London
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)Musician
Websitehttps://bukkyleo.com/

Leoford Olubukola Afolabi, known professionally as Bukky Leo, is a British Afrobeat and jazz musician, saxophonist, and lead singer for the band Black Egypt.[1] Born on November 22, 1957, in London, he has made significant contributions to the music scene, drawing inspiration from Afrobeat legends Fela Ransome Kuti and Tony Allen.[2][3]

Early Life

Leo relocated to Nigeria in 1964 at the age of six. At 14, his talent on the saxophone caught the attention of Tony Allen.[4] During the early 1970s, he became a regular attendee at the Kalakuta Republic, Fela Ransome Kuti's residence in Lagos.[5] Leo played with Tony Allen in the Mighty Irokos band.[6][7]

Career

In 1982, Bukky Leo moved to the United Kingdom, where he met A&R man Gilles Peterson. In 1988, he released the EP 'Rejoice in Righteousness' on Acid Jazz Records, establishing himself as a pioneer in the Acid jazz scene.[8] Leo has been featured in The Guardian's piece on 'Acid Jazz at 25,' highlighting his influential role in the genre.[9][10][11]

Throughout his career, he has collaborated with various bands, including Highlife International, Farenji Warriors, and Bush Men Don't Surf led by Banjo Mosele.[12][13] Bukky Leo's discography reflects his diverse musical journey, encompassing Afro Jazz, Acid Jazz, and collaborations with notable artists.[14][15]

Discography

As sideman

  • Keep My Fire Burnin' - Carl I - (Jahug) 2010[16]
  • Living Am I Living - The Mitchell & Dewbury Band (Mr Bongo) - 2015 - Featured artist[18]

As leader

  • Future Generation - (Intouch Records) - 1988
  • River Nile - (Moles Records) - 1990[19]
  • Ramaja  O (Broadcite) 2009[22]
  • Skeleton - (Agogo Records) - 2012[23]
  • Tribute To Fela vol 1 & 2 (Drift Recordings) 2018[25]
  • Evolution The Bukky Leo Quartet featuring Clifford Jarvis (Drift Recordings) 2020[26]
  • The Legend Of William Onyeabor (Drift Recordings) 2021[27][28]
  • Obedun (Sweet Soup) 2024

References

  1. ↑ leahsiennaljn (2020-06-22). "Bukky Leo Quartet ft. Clifford Jarvis – "Evolution"". London Jazz News. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  2. ↑ Urban, Mike (2019-11-21). "Club 414's Grass Roots Band play free Brixton Village show tonight, Thurs 21st Nov 2019". Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  3. ↑ Shteamer, Hank (2020-12-15). "6 Paths Through Jazz in 2020". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  4. ↑ "The Night Owl | Bars and pubs in Finsbury Park, London". Time Out London. 2023-07-26. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  5. ↑ leahsiennaljn (2020-06-22). "Bukky Leo Quartet ft. Clifford Jarvis – "Evolution"". London Jazz News. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  6. ↑ Tony Allen & Bukky Leo on How They Met (Passing Clouds, London 24-06-16), retrieved 2024-01-03
  7. ↑ "Gilles Peterson Presents The 20: Brit Jazz | WorldwideFM". worldwidefm.net. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  8. ↑ Buskirk, Eliot Van. "Summertime MP3: Retro Dub Cover of Snoop Dogg's 'Gin And Juice'". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  9. ↑ Horan, Tom (2012-11-01). "Acid Jazz at 25: 'Everyone said we were mad to set up in Hoxton'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  10. ↑ "London jazz venues reopen with Ronnie Scott's, 606, Jazz Café, Vortex and Spice of Life all announcing shows". Jazzwise. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  11. ↑ "Celebrate Bob Marley's birthday with acclaimed reggae producer Prince Fatty". Celebrate Bob Marley's birthday with acclaimed reggae producer Prince Fatty | Bandwagon | Music media championing and spotlighting music in Asia. 2017-01-20. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  12. ↑ "An introduction to modern Afrobeat". faroutmagazine.co.uk. 2023-08-14. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  13. ↑ "Wigflex Lifts the Lid on Explosive 2020 City Festival Lineup - Leftlion - Nottingham Culture". leftlion.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  14. ↑ "An introduction to modern Afrobeat". faroutmagazine.co.uk. 2023-08-14. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  15. ↑ Clarke, Patrick (2020-09-02). "London's The Jazz Cafe announces socially-distanced reopening this month". NME. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Prince Fatty - Survival Of The Fattest". Light In The Attic Records. Archived from the original on 2022-12-12. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  17. ↑ "Dennis Bovell : Mek It Run 2LP (LP) - Levykauppa eronen". www.dubjazzsalsa.com. Archived from the original on 2023-12-09. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  18. ↑ "Mitchell & Dewbury Band - Beyond The Rains". Mr Bongo.
  19. ↑ "Bukky Leo - River Nile".
  20. ↑ "Various - Club Africa 2 (Hard African Funk, Afro-Jazz And Original Afro-Beat)".
  21. ↑ "Bukky Leo & Black Egypt - Afrobeat Visions".
  22. ↑ "Ramaja O (Unplugged Mix) [feat. Bukky Leo] (Full Song) - Koichi Sakai feat. Bukky Leo - Download or Listen Free - JioSaavn". 10 August 2009. Archived from the original on 12 December 2022. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  23. ↑ "Skeleton, by Bukky Leo & Black Egypt". Bukky Leo & Black Egypt. Archived from the original on 2023-05-28. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  24. ↑ "Spaceships Over Africa - Bukky Leo & Ra Kalam Bob Moses — Native Pulse". Archived from the original on 2022-12-12. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  25. ↑ "Tribute To Fela, by Bukky Leo and Black Egypt". Bukky Leo and Black Egypt.
  26. ↑ "Bukky Leo Quartet ft. Clifford Jarvis – "Evolution"". London Jazz News. 22 June 2020.
  27. ↑ "The Legend of William Onyeabor with Bukky Leo & Black Egypt Collective". Resident Advisor.
  28. ↑ Forrest, Benjamin. "Bukky Leo & Black Egypt: The Legend of William Onyeabor – Live at Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen". The Gryphon. Retrieved 17 October 2021.