FRANCK BIYONG
Afrobeat, Electronic, Jazz, Rock
AVAILABILITY FOR EUROPE
2026-2027 | April 1st, 2026 to December 31st, 2027
Franck Biyong is available with two different amazing projects:
Franck Biyong & Lipombe Jazz (Afrobeat-AfroJazz) and Afrobrainz (Electronic-Funk-Rock)
LIPOMBE JAZZ (Afrobeat-AfroJazz)
Lipombe Jazz is the more organic, Afro-jazz oriented branch of Franck Biyong’s creative universe: a project built around African groove, ensemble writing and a strong narrative impulse. Conceived as a meeting point between Afrobeat, Afro-jazz and Cameroonian musical memory, it develops a warm, ritualistic and cinematic sound, blending tradition with a contemporary outlook. On Ibolo Ini, that identity comes into focus through layered rhythm, rich timbral depth and a distinctly pan-African sense of motion.
AFROBRAINZ (Electronic-Funk-Rock)
Afrobrainz is Franck Biyong’s alternative Afro-electro-rock project, where electronic funk, guitar-driven rock energy and African rhythmic language meet in a consciously crossover form. Built within his broader Afrolectric vision, the project pushes toward a sharper, more urban and more amplified sound, combining groove, distortion, hooks and pan-African pulse. Afrobrainz presents Biyong in his most electric mode: forward-looking, rhythmically charged and designed to connect club energy with live-band intensity.
ABOUT
Franck Biyong’s solo project turns Afrobeat lineage, Afro-rock guitar language and futurist production into one highly individual signature. It moves between makossa pulse, electric funk, psychedelic rock and jazz-minded arrangement without losing dance-floor intent. The result is Afrolectric: historically rooted, rhythm-forward and sonically restless.
Profile
Franck Biyong is a Cameroonian composer, guitarist, bandleader and producer whose work bridges African rhythmic memory with an adventurous electric language. Raised across Gabon, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire before settling in the UK as a teenager, and trained at the National Institute of Arts in Abidjan, he developed a musical identity shaped equally by West and Central African traditions, rock guitar culture and forward-looking studio experimentation. As the creator of the Afrolectric sound, Biyong has built a catalogue that stretches from the early Massak records to recent releases such as Moonwatching 2, Radio Masoda and Struggle 4 Money. His artistic profile combines the historical awareness of an archivist, the instinct of a groove architect and the appetite of a sonic explorer. The result is music that can sound ceremonial, urban, psychedelic and political at once, while remaining unmistakably African in pulse and perspective.
Details
Franck Biyong stands out for the way he treats the electric guitar as both lead voice and textural engine. His writing often connects African rhythmic structures to rock tension, jazz openness and cinematic arrangement. Across albums, singles and collaborative projects, he has built a language that is as concerned with memory and lineage as it is with modernity, distortion and motion. That balance makes him a compelling proposition for festivals, theatres, listening venues and editorial platforms looking for an African artist with a clear signature rather than a generic crossover profile.
“The way Franck Biyong composes is unlike any other musician you will find.” (Sinusoidal Music, review of Moonwatching 2*, 2023-12-19)*
Releases
Albums 2006 — Realms of Atlantis 2007 — Haiti Market 2008 — Spirits into Sounds 2009 — Rhythms of Our Memory 2010 — Visions of Kamerun 2010 — Voodoolectric Ground 2011 — Jazz & Africa: Knowledge Identity Reconstruction 2011 — Meeting the Basic Needs of the People 2012 — Ki I Ye Yi 2015 — Moonwatching 2017 — Afro Bikutsi Live! 2018 — Evening Prayer 2019 — The Lamp, Light and Eye of God 2019 — Afro Galactic Spaceway 2019 — Ibolo Ini (with Lipombe Jazz) 2021 — Celestial Navigation Suite 2021 — The Afrovision Secret 2022 — Kunde 2023 — Moonwatching 2 2024 — Radio Masoda
EPs and singles 2011 — Power of Brain 2012 — C.F.A Music 2012 — 21.12.2012 (Truth or Lies?) 2015 — I.T.T. (International Thief Thief) 2015 — End of the Road 2015 — Liyomba Church 2020 — Trouble 2023 — Silence Is Music (with Florie Namir) 2024 — Oladipo (feat. Chief Udoh Essiet & Tony Allen) 2024 — Lipanda (feat. Mary May) 2024 — Jela Kubwa Na Viboko (feat. Aint4perfect) [Aint4Perfect Remix] 2024 — Radio Masoda (Remixed) 2025 — Struggle 4 Money
Citations
“We are delighted to be presenting ‘Radio Masoda’, the brilliant new album by the Cameroonian master musician and composer Franck Biyong.” Tangential Music press text, mirrored on EthnoCloud 2024-06-22 https://ethnocloud.com/Franck_Biyong/?blog=2256
“Franck Biyong’s album, Radio Masoda is a remarkable tribute to the classic era of African music.” Tyler Bennet, World Music Central 2024-11-15 https://worldmusiccentral.org/franck-biyongs-radio-masoda-a-tribute-to-african-musics-golden-era/
“The way Franck Biyong composes is unlike any other musician you will find.” Sinusoidal Music 2023-12-19 https://sinusoidalmusic.com/reviews/franck-biyong-shows-us-his-afroelectric-mould-taking-shape-with-his-album-moonwatching-2/
“Now delving into the world of electronic rock with a definitive African flavour, Franck’s spectacular electric guitar riffs and modern sound mean he’s certainly one to keep an eye on.” Music In Africa 2015-05-29 https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/cameroon-guitarist-releases-new-video
“But most of the album is upbeat and ‘Diamane Abele’ is another dancefloor killer and ‘Elephant Rumble’ is exactly what it says on the tin.” Gerry Hectic, You and the Music 2024-07-29 https://www.youandthemusic.com/2024/07/review-franck-biyong-radio-masoda.html
Reviews
Franck Biyong: “I just want to tear down the barrier that separates African music from the mainstream” Songlines Daniel Brown 2024-06-13 https://www.songlines.co.uk/features/franck-biyong-i-just-want-to-tear-down-the-barrier-that-separates-african-music-from-the-mainstream
Review: Franck Biyong – Radio Masoda (Tangential Music) You and the Music Gerry Hectic 2024-07-29 https://www.youandthemusic.com/2024/07/review-franck-biyong-radio-masoda.html
Franck Biyong’s Radio Masoda – A Tribute to African Music’s Golden Era World Music Central Tyler Bennet 2024-11-15 https://worldmusiccentral.org/franck-biyongs-radio-masoda-a-tribute-to-african-musics-golden-era/
Review: Franck Biyong – Radio Masoda Remixed (Tangential Music) You and the Music Gerry Hectic 2024-10-15 https://www.youandthemusic.com/2024/10/review-franck-biyong-radio-masoda.html
Franck Biyong shows us his afroelectric mould taking shape with his album, “Moonwatching 2” Sinusoidal Music 2023-12-19 https://sinusoidalmusic.com/reviews/franck-biyong-shows-us-his-afroelectric-mould-taking-shape-with-his-album-moonwatching-2/
Cameroon guitarist releases new video Music In Africa Music In Africa 2015-05-29 https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/cameroon-guitarist-releases-new-video
http://www.franckbiyong.net/
Jul, 2021
Akinola Sennon | Steel Pan, Afro Jazz (USA)
Akinola Sennon
Steel Pan, Afro Jazz
Akinola Sennon started attending the Joseph School of the Arts in 1991, from age seven, learning to play the cuatro and studying the theory of music. He then moved on to playing two other instruments, the guitar and the piano at the said music school in Siparia, under the tutelage of Mr. Ashford Joseph. By age ten, Akinola was arranging musical compositions for his sibling to perform at his school concerts and recitals, since they all attended the same school.
Akinola Sennon started playing the steelpan in Standard Three with Mr Roland ‘Moose’ Joseph and at that point, he fell deeply in love with the instrument. During this time, he also played the guitar with the school and church choir. Miss Valdez, the school choir Mistress, was quite a huge influence in developing his musical ability. Mr Joseph nurtured his talent during that early period by taking him to many competitions and exposing us to the steelpan fraternity. Akinola Sennon remembers Mr Roland ‘Moose’ Joseph taking him to Pantrinbago’s Annual General Meetings and introducing him to various persons.
Akinola Sennon joined Siparia Deltones in 1996 for the Panorama season and also the Stage Side. It was there that he met Mr Carlton ‘Zanda’ Alexander. Akinola vividly remembers him asking him one day, “Young man, do you know your scales?” to which Akinola Sennon said “Yes.” He then instructed him, “Play me this scale,” which Akinola did. He then replied, “Ok, well do you know your chord scales?” Akinola again answered, “Yes.”He instructed, “Well play me this chord scale.” Akinola played the scale and he then requested him to play him the same chord scale from the 2nd inversion and that was where the trouble started. That was the beginning of a 17 year old relationship. Akinola has been his understudy since then.
Akinola Sennon was inducted as a member of the Coal Pot band which was led by Mr. Zanda. This band was basically a Kaiso/Jazz fusion ensemble with horns, vocals, piano, bass guitar and steelpan. He performed extensively at all the leading jazz and fusion shows throughout the nation, including Tobago Jazz Festival, San Fernando Jazz Festival, Sanch Apri Carnival, Siparia Jazz Festival, Point Jazz Festivaland many more. At age 18, he also began playing with Clive Alexander, Carlton’s older brother. This was also quite an experience and has significantly contributed to his overall development, especially his weekly performances at the Satchmo’s Jazz club on Ariapita Avenue for a number of months.
In 2003, Akinola Sennon became the captain of Siparia Deltones’ junior band and later went on to become the captain of the senior band. He has worked with the National Steel Symphony Orchestra for one year and the Pan in the Classroom Unit. Akinola Sennon has taught at Forest Reserve Anglican School, Fyzabad Presbyterian School, Iere High school, Palo Seco Government School and Trinidad Renaissance Preparatory School.
In 2009, Akinola played the role of the musical director for steel pan promotion in Canada, where, Siparia Deltones and I, did workshops throughout the country.
As an Arranger, he has composed for the Southern Marines Steel band Foundation placing 3rdin the Small Band Category of the Panorama competition of 2010. He won the Primary School category of the Sanfest Competition for four years in a row from 2010; three times with Forest Reserve Anglican School and one year with Trinidad Renaissance Preparatory School of which he is their musical director. Akinola Sennon also won the Pan for Blue Competition with Forest Reserve Anglican School in 2013.
He is presently the executive director and musical director of Siparia Deltones, where his intention is to have this instrument evolved globally. The designer of the band’s syllabus and course structure is what he is. Together with his band, Siparia Deltones, in 2013, they recorded an album with Hugh Masekela for which Akinola Sennon played the role of Project Coordinator and steelpan soloist.
Earlier this year, he travelled to the Netherlands to participate in the Amsterdams Conservatorium Van Summer Jazz Workshop where he is the first pan player to be accepted to be part of the prestige workshop. After that experience in the Netherlands, Akinola Sennon made a decision that the world should hear his voice more loudly via his pan. For whilst there he usually was approached and asked about his upcoming tours and albums due to students being overwhelmed by his playing ability. Akinola made the decision to do his first album, a project of the Deltones Institute of Steel Drums and music in collaboration with Berklee College, New England conservatory and Manhattan School of music students. Then he journeyed to the States where he auditioned students for the project.
This project was called Cousoumeh which received a record label contract from leading label Ropeadope Records. He also developed the concept of the album into a festival called the Cousoumeh festival. Both the album and the festival have been very successful thus far.
Akinola Sennon continues to work in the area of steelpan development, arranging and music education.
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PROMO AND TECHNICAL MATERIAL
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Jul, 2021
Femi Koya | Afro Jazz, Afro Beat, World Music (ZA)
Femi Koya
Afro Jazz, Afro Beat, World Music
Femi Koya BIO
A story of migration from the West to the South – resonates in his music, which creates a conscious dialogue between West African and South African sounds. This musical fusion demonstrates the path to a new and culturally integrated Africa in which a common heritage is reinforced to meet the needs of today’s world. His quest is for African unity at a time when he believes Africa should claim its rightful and proud place in the world.
Femi Koya’s debut album “Just in Newtown” is evidence of the rich melodies that result from this fusion. Through his versatility on the saxophone, he breathes new life into African world music. “Iba” meaning “Homage” is the title of Femi Koya’s album which was launched in August 2015. The Iba album also calls for African unity and makes a plea for human rights to be respected. But the album also celebrates Africa’s love of life with infectious dance numbers that bring fans to their feet. His Iba album also features the Soweto Gospel Choir, Pops Mohamed, Stompie Manana, Prince Lengoase and Kenny Mataba and poetry by Pitika Ntuli and Lisa Combrinck.
His 2018 album “Village Afrobeat” is an African party, jazzed up with Afrobeats horn arrangements, with talking drum and percussions driving the African heartbeat. Songs such as Babalawo, Lerato, Alo and Kongo enable new generations to understand the significance of African unity as well as providing a nostalgic look at village culture and its life lessons.
The songs tell stories of what happens in villages and especially in fables, with animals like the tortoise, the role of the town criers, village men and women as part of the whole village lifestyle. The songs also depict nature, fertility, rituals, change of seasons and traditions essential to village life. 2019, he is re – releasing a remix EP “Ori Mi” and Single “Iba” in June 2019 following with a world tour.
His musical influences include Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Manu di Bango, Hugh Masekela,Baaba Maal and Sonny Rollins. He has shared the stage with Youssou N’dour and Yvonne Chaka Chaka at the CAF (Confederation of African Football Awards) in Lagos and with John Legend in his first South African tour in Cape Town. He performed alongside the king of Juju music, Sunny Ade, at the Glo launch in the Republic of Benin. Other colourful festivals featured Femi Koya’s acrobatic music, where he performed alongside the Wynton Marsalis, Oliver Mtukudzi, Habib Koite, Salif Keita, Baaba Maal. He has recorded with Simphiwe Dana, Pops Mohamed ,Yvonne Chaka Chaka, and performed with Baaba Maal, Angelique Kidjo, Wizkid just to mention a few.
Other events where Femi Koya has laid his marks include, RSA Department of Arts and Culture and dedicated a song to the Haitian people. Femi Koya was part of the Radio 2000 song for Madiba. Starred the Joburg Theatre Africa day celebrations 2015, paid tribute to Fela Kuti with Lura of Cape Verde, Abena Koomson NY/Ghana, Lira and Ringo Madlingozi of South Africa.
LATEST RELEASE: “Technology”
https://electromodeza.lnk.to/TechnologyAr
VIDEOS
MUSIC
PROMO AND TECHNICAL MATERIAL
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CONTACT
Fabrizio Borgosano
Email: info@coralriff.net
Mobile: +39 340 6953499
Website: https://www.coralriff.biz/
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