Biography
Kokoroko is a London-based Afrobeat and jazz fusion band formed in 2014 by trumpeter Sheila Maurice-Grey and percussionist Onome Edgeworth, who met during an arts trip in Kenya. Inspired by their shared desire to connect young people of the African diaspora with genres like Afrobeat and Highlife, they returned to London and assembled a group of like-minded musicians, many of whom came from the Trinity Laban Conservatory and the influential music education foundation Tomorrow's Warriors[1][3]. The band's name, 'Kokoroko,' is derived from the Urhobo language of southern Nigeria, meaning 'be strong' or 'hard to break'[2][4].
Kokoroko quickly became a vital force in the burgeoning London jazz scene, blending West African musical traditions with elements of funk, jazz, hip-hop, grime, gospel, and Caribbean sounds. Their breakthrough came in 2018 when their track 'Abusey Junction,' featured on Gilles Peterson's 'We Out Here' compilation, went viral and garnered millions of streams[2][3]. The band followed up with a self-titled EP in 2019 and their debut album 'Could We Be More' in 2022, which was named one of The Guardian's top ten albums of the year[2]. Their music is characterized by lush horn arrangements, polyrhythmic grooves, and a commitment to honoring and evolving the legacy of West African music[1][4][5].
Kokoroko's legacy is marked by their role in revitalizing and reinterpreting Afrobeat and Highlife for new audiences, especially within the Black British diaspora. Their all-female brass section, led by Maurice-Grey, and collaborative approach to composition and performance have made them a standout ensemble in contemporary jazz and world music. In 2025, they released their second album, 'Tuff Times Never Last,' further cementing their reputation as innovators and ambassadors of diasporic musical heritage[2].
Fun Facts
- The name 'Kokoroko' comes from the Urhobo language of Nigeria and means 'be strong' or 'hard to break'.
- Their viral hit 'Abusey Junction' was written by guitarist Oscar Jerome during a trip to Gambia and recorded in a single afternoon.
- Kokoroko's all-female brass section is a unique feature and driving force in their sound.
- Several members were recruited through Tomorrow's Warriors, the same foundation that supported many leading UK jazz artists.
Members
- Tobi Adenaike
- Mutale Chashi - bass
- Onome Edgeworth - percussion
- Yohan Kebede - keyboard
- Cassie Kinoshi - saxophone
- Sheila Maurice-Grey - trumpet
- Ms MAURICE
- Oscar Jerome - guitar
- Ayo Salawu - drums (drum set)
- Richie Seivwright - trombone
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Tomorrow's Warriors - Music education foundation supporting young Black musicians; several Kokoroko members were recruited and trained here. (Early musical development and networking) [2010s]
- Fela Kuti - Stylistic influence; Afrobeat pioneer whose legacy Kokoroko honors and evolves. (General influence on Afrobeat style) [1970s-present (influence)]
Key Collaborators
- Sheila Maurice-Grey - Bandleader, trumpet/flugelhorn/vocals, main composer and creative force. (All Kokoroko releases) [2014-present]
- Onome Edgeworth - Co-founder, percussionist, key creative and organizational role. (All Kokoroko releases) [2014-present]
- Cassie Kinoshi - Saxophonist, part of all-female brass section. (Kokoroko EP, 'Could We Be More', live performances) [2014-present]
- Richie Seivewright - Trombone player, brass section member. (Kokoroko EP, 'Could We Be More') [2014-present]
- Tobi Adenaike-Johnson - Guitarist, joined after initial formation. (Kokoroko EP, 'Could We Be More') [2015-present]
- Yohan Kebede - Keyboardist, composer of 'Adwa'. ('Adwa', Kokoroko EP, 'Could We Be More') [2015-present]
- Mutale Chashi - Bass player, rhythm section. (Kokoroko EP, 'Could We Be More') [2014-present]
- Ayo Salawu - Drummer, rhythm section. (Kokoroko EP, 'Could We Be More') [2014-present]
Artists Influenced
- London Jazz Scene Musicians - Kokoroko's success and style have inspired younger musicians in the London jazz and Afrobeat scenes. (Emerging acts on Brownswood Recordings, 'We Out Here' compilation) [2018-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Could We Be More | 2022-08-05 | Album |
| Could We Be More Remixes | 2023-11-10 | Album |
| Tuff Times Never Last | 2025-07-11 | Album |
| Could We Be More Remixes | 2023-11-10 | Album |
| Could We Be More | 2022-08-05 | Album |
| Could We Be More | 2022-08-05 | Album |
| Could We Be More | 2022-08-05 | Album |
| DJ-Kicks: Jayda G | 2021-05-14 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Abusey Junction (KOKOROKO)
- Just Can't Wait (Just Can't Wait)
- Ti-de (KOKOROKO)
- Closer To Me - edit (Closer To Me)
- Age Of Ascent (Could We Be More)
- Three Piece Suit (feat. Azekel) (Three Piece Suit (feat. Azekel))
- Carry Me Home (Carry Me Home)
- Dide O (Could We Be More)
- Closer To Me (Closer To Me)
- Home (Could We Be More)
External Links
Tags: #afrobeat, #jazz, #world
References
Heard on WWOZ
Kokoroko has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 20, 2025 | 08:42 | Umanfrom KOKOROKO | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne |