Off the Grid

ONIPA found their formula on their 2020 debut We No Be Machine and they stick with it on 2023’s Off The Grid. The band — a collaboration between the Ghanaian-born poet and singer Kweku Sackey, aka KOG, and the British producer Tom Excell of Nubiyan Twist — draw on a range of pan-African influences, reflecting the deep African influence on the UK’s music scene. On this album though their net widens even more thanks to a long list of guests, such as Kreyol singer David Walters, legendary Nigerian-British musician Dele Sosimi, South African musician and dancer Moonchild Sanelly, and tuba player Theon Cross. The Afrobeat and highlife arrangements powerful groove, and catchy melodies of their first album are still there, but they get a little more experimental, like on the Congotronic-style “No Commando” or the raw, dance-oriented “Danger” and “Fine Tho.”