AfroNubians
Encyclopedia
The AfroNubians were a world music
band based in Toronto
. Its founders included Sudan
ese emigrant Tarig Abubakar (leader, and principal composer) (1964-1998) and Adam Solomon
who would participate in the Juno Award
winning album African Guitar Summit
, a recent band from whom lead guitarist, Pa Joe (Peter Oppong) from Ghana would figure very prominently. The AfroNubians featured Canadian and African talent amongst its band members, including Joe Szilagy (aka: Joe Slant), lead (rock/funk) guitar and Mohammed Hagelamin, bass, who (next to Tarig, of course), were the longest standing members of the band, of which there were about three different line-ups. It was Tarig's, as well as Nadine McNulty's, relentless hard work that got Tarig's original blend of unique African musical stylings noticed throughout Canada, and eventually, other parts of the world. Tarig also chose to incorporate bits of Latin, reggae, and even a hint of rock into his adventurous vision. During the late 90's, he had expressed a desire to record a live album, (which eventually bore fruit, however, it came to be after his passing). The two most important tours,(as well as line-ups), are featured on the recent CBC live CD produced by Todd Fraracci. Among the members, (along with Tarig, Mohamed, and Joe),included on the CD and from the most rigorous of tours were: Bruno Hedman-saxophone, Jim Heineman-saxophone and flute, Pa Jo-soukous and highlife lead guitar, Altof Bwana Moto-drums, Joseph Ashong-djembe/percussion, as well as a host of other talented musicians. Shortly after Tarig's scheduled arrival,(upon returning from Sudan), the band was about to embark on its first U.S. tour and then throughout different parts of the world. Sadly, although Tarig's ideas were finally taking shape, he would never return to this side of the Atlantic again.
Formed in 1992, the AfroNubians would perform in Toronto, and eventually conduct three tours across Canada. In 1998, Abubakar was killed in a motor vehicle incident while visiting Sudan
. No further studio recordings were produced since, but in 2005 the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
released a very well-received CD of two live concerts from the band's 1995-1997 heyday.
World music
World music is a term with widely varying definitions, often encompassing music which is primarily identified as another genre. This is evidenced by world music definitions such as "all of the music in the world" or "somebody else's local music"...
band based in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
. Its founders included Sudan
Sudan
Sudan , officially the Republic of the Sudan , is a country in North Africa, sometimes considered part of the Middle East politically. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the...
ese emigrant Tarig Abubakar (leader, and principal composer) (1964-1998) and Adam Solomon
Adam Solomon
Adam "The Professor" Solomon is a Juno Award-winning composer, guitar maestro, and singer. Solomon began performing at an early age, playing the kivoti and the at village celebrations and festivals...
who would participate in the Juno Award
Juno Award
The Juno Awards are presented annually to Canadian musical artists and bands to acknowledge their artistic and technical achievements in all aspects of music...
winning album African Guitar Summit
African Guitar Summit
African Guitar Summit is a group of nine Canadian musicians, all of African origin, who gathered in Toronto to participate in a unique project for CBC Radio’s On Stage program....
, a recent band from whom lead guitarist, Pa Joe (Peter Oppong) from Ghana would figure very prominently. The AfroNubians featured Canadian and African talent amongst its band members, including Joe Szilagy (aka: Joe Slant), lead (rock/funk) guitar and Mohammed Hagelamin, bass, who (next to Tarig, of course), were the longest standing members of the band, of which there were about three different line-ups. It was Tarig's, as well as Nadine McNulty's, relentless hard work that got Tarig's original blend of unique African musical stylings noticed throughout Canada, and eventually, other parts of the world. Tarig also chose to incorporate bits of Latin, reggae, and even a hint of rock into his adventurous vision. During the late 90's, he had expressed a desire to record a live album, (which eventually bore fruit, however, it came to be after his passing). The two most important tours,(as well as line-ups), are featured on the recent CBC live CD produced by Todd Fraracci. Among the members, (along with Tarig, Mohamed, and Joe),included on the CD and from the most rigorous of tours were: Bruno Hedman-saxophone, Jim Heineman-saxophone and flute, Pa Jo-soukous and highlife lead guitar, Altof Bwana Moto-drums, Joseph Ashong-djembe/percussion, as well as a host of other talented musicians. Shortly after Tarig's scheduled arrival,(upon returning from Sudan), the band was about to embark on its first U.S. tour and then throughout different parts of the world. Sadly, although Tarig's ideas were finally taking shape, he would never return to this side of the Atlantic again.
Formed in 1992, the AfroNubians would perform in Toronto, and eventually conduct three tours across Canada. In 1998, Abubakar was killed in a motor vehicle incident while visiting Sudan
Sudan
Sudan , officially the Republic of the Sudan , is a country in North Africa, sometimes considered part of the Middle East politically. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the...
. No further studio recordings were produced since, but in 2005 the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly known as CBC and officially as CBC/Radio-Canada, is a Canadian crown corporation that serves as the national public radio and television broadcaster...
released a very well-received CD of two live concerts from the band's 1995-1997 heyday.
Discography
- 1994: Tour to Africa
- 1995: The Great Africans
- 1997: Hobey Laik
- 2005: Tarig Abubakar & Afronubians Live
External links
- "Tarig Ahmed Abubakar: He was my friend", obituary by Opiyo Oloya
- Afropop Worldwide: AfroNubians
- CBC Shop: Tarig Abubakar & Afronubians Live (with band background)
- Website of (saxophonist) band member Bruno Hedman