Route to Root — The Birth of Modern Music
Adekunle Olorundare (Kunle) (He/Him)
Producer, Composer, Performer
Adekunle Olorundare (Kunle) is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter. Kunle’s folk and soul music bridges contemporary styles with roots in West African rhythms and stories. Nigerian-born and currently based in Toronto, Kunle combines his rich vocals, guitar tapping, harmonica and talking drum to take audiences into what he terms ‘music with no boundaries.
Over the past three years, Kunle has experienced a transformative journey, evolving into a versatile producer, composer, and performer. From enthralling showcases on the stages of prestigious festivals throughout North America, Africa, and Europe to making a notable debut on theatre stages, including the esteemed Stratford Festival, Kunle embodies the philosophy that creative expression is not just a performance but a way of life.
Kobèna Acquaah-Harrison (He/Him)
Performer, Producer, Composer, Storyteller
Kobè is an accomplished Ghanaian-Bermudian performer, producer, composer and storyteller. His artistry has garnered several Dora, Juno, Chalmers and other awards for his prolific work in music, media, film, television, dance and theatre. Kobè recently made history as an orchestra member in the first all-black Canadian opera production, “Treemonisha.” Other clients include FIFA, CBC, Nissan, Soulpepper, Shaw, Stratford Festival, Montana Steele, arts councils and institutions.
Performing internationally for princes, presidents and preschoolers, Kobè uses electric and acoustic instruments designed and built by himself. His trademarks are hilarious stage interactions and the eclectic rhythms of “afrosonic jollof,” “The sound when jazz, rock, reggae, hip hop come face to face with their ancestors.” In demand as a creative collaborator and accompanist.
Kobè also leads, Djungle Bouti Orchestra, with all-star members from Trinidad to Tanzania, Portugal and Algeria to S. Africa. Their “Djazz 2.1.4” album was acclaimed “an audio decoding of African DNA” and nominated for a Toronto Independent Music Award. The former AfroFest President/ Artistic Director, #1 prime-time radio host and Michèzo! festival founder is currently Cultural Development Director at Abandze Embassy, in Toronto’s W. Queen W, arts & entertainment triangle. @paapakobe