Onipa, meaning “human” in Akan, the ancient language of the Ashanti people of Ghana, is also the project of longtime friends KOG (Kweku of Ghana of KOG and the Zongo Brigade) and Tom Excell (MD, guitarist and writer of jazz/ soul afrobeat pioneers Nubiyan Twist). They push a fresh, raw, and fiercely energetic new sound, fusing electronics and deep afro grooves. 

Having played their first show to 5000 people in Australia to commemorate Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday, and performed at The Great Escape in Brighton, the project is picking up momentum. In September they’ll release a debut EP on London label Wormfood and Paris-based Mawimbi, both of whom have been pushing their own brand of homegrown Afro-electronic music. 

The first single, “Open My Eyes,” combines classic, shiny, Congolese-style soukous guitar licks with a funky afro-disco beat and KOG’s trademark vocals, alternating between Pidgin, Ga, and English in a nostalgic piece about self-love and making your own way. The release is available now via the WeTransfer button below—or here for EU readers due to temporary GDPR restrictions.