Bantu & his afrobeat academy band @ Du Bois Centre on 6th October

The German-Nigerian musician and activist Adé Bantu sees himself as an “Afropean” who is constantly inspired by both continents. His music is an eclectic fusion of the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and the sounds of the African Diaspora. He combines Afrobeat, Afrofunk, Hip Hop, Fuji Music, Dancehall and Reggae.

His trailblazing collaboration with the Nigerian Fuji star Adewale Ayuba earned him the 2005 edition of the prestigious Kora Award in the categories Best Group West Africa and Best Group Africa.

A deciding factor for this recognition seemed to have been that Adé Bantu’s songs like those of Peter Tosh or Fela Kuti always connect the personal and political. Just like Fufu (West Africa’s most popular cassava dumplings) which can only derive its best taste when combined with various dishes and stews… Adé Bantu made waves in Germany both on the musical and political front with “Brothers Keepers”.

This is a collective of Afro-German hip hop and soul artists that he brought together as one voice to issue an uncompromising statement against racism, which made it to the top position of the German Pop Charts. However Adé’s lyrics go beyond mere criticism. They demand change and active participation: “Criticising alone is not enough,” says Adé Bantu. “There’s no use in waiting for great wonders.

You have to create them. I call for creative opposition from those who refuse to come to terms with the existing conditions and systems”, he adds.

Bantu’s activities are not confined to Europe alone. Adé and his band have also released several singles in Nigeria where the group has called on young Nigerians to face the challenges of an African renaissance by looking up to their cultural identity with a new sense of cultural pride.

He proved how successful his music is by cooperating with popular musicians like Gentleman and UB40 and an invitation by BBC Radio Station.

Also Bantu was one of the world class artists that were invited by the German government to perform in various venues during the world cup football tournament in 2006. The concert is the highlight of this program series and Adé Bantu - accompanied by six other musicians, the “Afrobeat Academy Band” - will present colourful facets of a true African-European melange of afro beat, hip hop, funk and reggae that ignites both the hips and the brain.

In October 2007, Adé Bantu along with six other musicians from Germany will be in Ghana on invitation of Goethe-Institut Accra. Adé Bantu will participate in the program series “Afro-Germans: Embracing two Worlds”, organised by the Goethe-Institute Accra and the Du Bois Centre.

He will present the documentary film “Yes I Am”, featuring Afro-German musicians and their surge for identity (Thursday, Oct 4, 6.30 pm, Du Bois Centre). The big blast of the series will be the concert of Bantu & Afrobeat Academy at the Du Bois Centre Accra on Saturday, Oct 6.