Lloyd Tommy and Leroy Kousi met in Sierra Leone's capital Freetown in 1990 through Massive Roots Band, a local reggae group. They started touring West Africa playing for Malian reggaeman Askia Modibo in the late 90s before settling in Bamako, Mali in 2000. After collaborating with many other regional artists, Eden Roots Vibration released their first album, Genesis, in 2006 in Mali, and eventually in Sierra Leone in February 2008. Akwaaba will release the album worldwide early 2009.
Chanson hooks roam free over cumbia rhythms and Afropop melodies on El Gato Negro's fourth LP, co-produced by French beatmaker Guts. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 11, 2024