KOKOLO AFROBEAT ORCHESTRA (USA)

Kokolo, also known as the Kokolo Afrobeat Orchestra, is an American Afrobeat band from the Lower East Side of New York City, formed in 2001 by songwriter/producer Ray Lugo. 

The band's name, (pronounced kohːkohːloh), was taken from a 1970's term used in Spanish Harlem and parts of the Caribbean, often as a pejorative, to describe Latinos of African descent who were fans of Afro music. 

Initially formed as a “traditional” Afrobeat ensemble, the group consisted of 14 members from various parts of the world. Kokolo quickly developed a far spikier sound, often played faster and more emphatically than many of their contemporaries. They have also proven adept at broadening their sound by incorporating influences from a variety of other genres. Although Kokolo sing in English primarily, they have released several numbers sung in Spanish and Portuguese.

Their live performances also vary drastically from that of their peers, as Kokolo's shows are more frenzied and akin to rock concerts, another indication of the influence of groups like Bad Brains and Mano Negra on the group.

Since forming, they have evolved into a prolific recording machine, with over 50 releases on their discography and features in scores of notable international compilations, alongside artists like Femi Kuti, Ska Cubano, Tony Allen, U-Roy, Caetano Veloso, Masters At Work, Quantic, Salif Keita, Gerardo Frisina, Baaba Mal, Jazztronik, Zero 7, Afro Celt Sound System, Joe Bataan, Common, The Orb, Eric B & Rakim and many more.



ZBOGOM BRUS LI (SRB)

Slavko Matic – Šaka Zuluf (vocal, kazoo), Branislav Smuk – Smuk Fu (guitar back vocal), Marta Cor – Mar Tai (drums, back vocal), Kosta Sivacki – KostaBass (double bass, back vocal), Nikola Petakovic – Pe Lee (tamboura, back vocal)

Zbogom Brus Li is a Serbian punk rock band that combines punk rock and folk music of Vojvodina into a style the band describes as "tamburaški punk" ("tamburitzapunk").

The band was influenced by Misfits, Ramones, Toy Dolls, Cock Sparrer, Dickies, Beatles, T.Rex , Hard-Ons and other bands.

The unique sound of Zbogom Brus Li is a combination of punk rock and traditional music of Vojvodina and the band combines traditional rock instruments - electric guitar and drums - and the traditional duet of Vojvodina – begesh (a type of contrabass) and tamburitza. The essential characteristics of Zbogom Brus Li live performance are wide variety of theatrical properties inspired by Horror movies.

Discography:
Zbogom Brus Li (1994) – Samizdat
Penk Punk Pink Pank Ponk (1995) – L.V.O. Records
Zlobro (1997) – Tarcus
Hogli – Vogli Rok (1999) – Zmajeve Dečije Igre
Penk Punk Pink Pank Ponk (1999) - B.L.U.E. Sound & Music
Ratatatariteti ! (2008) – Flying Buffalo
Ukleti Salaš (2008) – PGP RTS