Biography

Over the last decade The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra have established themselves as Australia’s premier afrobeat band. This mammoth ensemble takes you on a pulsing, percussive journey into classic afrobeat led by fierce vocals and a howling horn section. It’s a fitting 21st-century response to the world-shaking music of 1970s Nigeria defined by Fela Kuti. They are true to the afrobeat blueprint of hypnotising rhythm, extended improvisation and political comment, but add to the formula a host of pan-African and local influences as well as hip-hop elements that reflect the deep ranging roots of the band. Following on from their ARIA-nominated debut, the “Naming & Blaming” released in 2019 pulls no punches. It shoots straight to the heart, mind and hips of the listener whilst taking aim at contemporary global politics and Australia’s chequered history. The message of anti-colonialism pervades every track - the battles of many cultures informing a broad political and social ethos. The deep ranging roots of the collective bring together a unique blend of cultures and struggles in a boiling cauldron of musical fire. The experience reflecting the importance of community and staying true to one’s convictions.