Open Source Culture Activation February 20, 2012

AFropolitan, Soulfege’s newest release, is a festive kaleidoscope of musical styles. From Reggae, Funk, and World Beat to an eclectic blend of Hip-Hop and Ghanaian Highlife. The group combines driving rhythms, authentic musicianship, the crisp harmonies of Ghana-born vocalist Derrick N. Ashong and co-founder Jonathan M. Gramling, with provocatively elevating lyrics, that transcend and defy even the most imaginative of descriptive capacities. Drumming phenomenon Stix “Mr. Pocket” Bones, Funk/Rock bassist Alex Staley, Ghanaian percussion prodigy Atta Addo, and keyboard wiz Micah Hulscher propel the band.

AFropolitan is a funky-“jamdown”-dance-groove with strong rhythmic and lyrical invocations causing audiences to “mash-it-up” on the dance floor, and is one facet of the band’s many stylistic excursions they draw upon to create their expressive vision. Audiences can’t seem resist the strong dance anthems like the title track “AFropolitan,” or leveling off to “Easy Does It,” or waiving their handkerchiefs in the air to “MleMleMle.” Plainly put, the infectious groove makes you move!

For more information on Derrick N. Ashong & Soulfège visit www.derrickashong.com. AFropolitan is currently available at Amazon.com, iTunes and www.derrickashong.com.