The Leeds-based afrobeat band, the Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra, is influenced by Fela Kuti’s Africa70 band. Their music is Afrobeat, but they also owe a part of their sound and style to the space Jazz pioneers from the 70’s as well as the free jazz trailblazers from the 60’s. According to the band, Tony Allen and James Brown have had a significant influence on their music. After a series of jam sessions at Leeds’ basement bar and music venue, ‘Sela Bar’, the band was formed in 2007. After a few years of defining their sound, they were signed to First Word Records in 2009. The band performed all over the UK in 2010 at venues like London’s Plan B and Vibe Bar, The Wardrobe In Leeds, Limetree Festival, Shambala festival, and The Wardrobe In Leeds. The band performed live on BBC6 Music’s Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show, 30 October 2010. 2010 was the first year that The Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra had recorded their first single. It was released on 7-inch vinyl in January 2010. The A-side features a cover version of Crosstown Traffic by Jimi Hendrix. As a B-side, the band chose to release an original track called ‘Lost in Kinchasa. The band’s debut album, ‘Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra’, was released worldwide on digital download and CD. The single and album were recorded at the Analog Rooms, Elland. After having broadcast them on BBC Radio 2, Jamie Cullum named The Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra one of his “sounds and new band of the year” on the 16th November. Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra released their second album, ‘Towards Other Worlds’ in August 2012. The band announced that they would be performing at The Wardrobe in Leeds, and Bedroom Bar in London as part of their UK album launch events. From Wikipedia
