On-U Sound proudly presents an exclusive live recording of the mighty African Head Charge, captured in full flight at London’s Jazz Cafe in 2019. 

In this previously unheard ninety minute set, bandleader Bonjo Iyabinghi Noah heads up a group featuring their trademark heavy percussion augmented by other musicians, including keyboards from Gaudi, Perry Melius on the drums, and most poignantly bass from the late, great Wayne Nunes. Over the course of their set they perform and reimagine songs from their extensive catalogue, including classics such as “Stebeni’s Theme” (a favourite in recent years of DJs fond of dropping esoteric edits) and “Dervish Chant”.

African Head Charge started in London in 1981, initially a studio collaboration with Jamaican master percussionist Bonjo I and UK dub producer Adrian Sherwood. Over the last forty two years they have issued fourteen albums (the latest of which, A Trip To Bolgatanga, is out imminently). 

Known for their colourful, experimental, and powerful live shows, this document of African Head Charge at the peak of their powers captures a moment of unity between performers and audience. 

African Head Charge
Venue – The Jazz Cafe, London (2019)
Artists featured in this live performance:
Bonjo Iyabinghi Noah – AHC co-producer, percussionist and lead vocals. Perry Melius – Drums
Wayne Nunes – Bass
Gaudi – Synths, Theramin and Keys
Emmanuel Okine aka 1U – Percussion
Samuel Bergliter – Keyboard
Tony Green – Guitar
Live engineer – Tomoya Forster
Mix master – Dave McEwan