It's Not Easy

Wah Wah 45s are proud to present the debut release on the label from Ghanaian vocalist and djembe drummer Afla Sackey. With his band Afrik Bawantu, he has fulfilled thedream of blending traditional Ghanaian music with sizzling Afrobeat grooves, topping it off with an irresistibly funky twist! Their unique blend of vibrant African rhythms with brisk, animated horn sections and heavy bass-lines bring a fresh perspective to the Afrobeat genre.

It's Not Easy, the first single to be taken from their forthcoming LP, entitledDestinationand due for release this summer, concerns itself not only with the trials and tribulations of life but also how we learn by living the day-to-day. It also talks about a theme that runs throughout the album - the idea of travelling the globe to broaden our horizons and help us understand how other people live their lives.

Afrik Bawantu released their debut EP,Noko Hewon, back in 2013 to much critical acclaim, and went on to be nominated in the World Music Network's charts. In 2014 they released their debut LP,Life On The Street, which showcased the original style of Afla's compositions, as well as his group of gifted musicians.

Afla himself was born in Ghana and started his creative life as a dancer with the country's famous Bukom Ensemble, known for their infectious folk-driven rhythms. His elders soon soon recognised the musical potential of young Afla and encouraged him with careful guidance and training. This provided the foundations upon which Sackey has developed his career in music and dance.

Upon moving to London, which was made possible by the Kakasitsi Master Drummers Of Ghana, Afla undertook a masters degree at Guildhall college, from which he graduated in 2012. With his wealth of experience in music and dance, Afla went on to become an inspiring educator, providing workshops and training to a diverse range of students from primary schools to universities. He has taught Afrobeat and Afro Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music where he still often appears as a guest lecturer, as well as acting as a workshop facilitator in places as far flung as Japan, Singapore and Argentina.

Afla is a great collaborator, and has worked with legendary artists such as the Sun Ra Arkestra, Ginger Baker and Tony Allen, as well as his contemporary projects with Ibibio Sound Machine, Sons Of Kemet, Dele Sosimi, The Estuary 21, Eparapo and his most recent Afro-electronic project with producer Raz Olsher - Raz & Afla.