Inspired by the infectious afro-beat music of Nigeria and its neighbors, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra delivers contemporary African funk to Australian dancefloors. This mammoth ensemble comprises musicians hand-picked among the finest in Melbourne’s music scene.

The experience and creativity of these established musicians energize the group’s original compositions and the sound of the entire band is a force to be reckoned with. The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra’s powerful MCs and tribal rhythms are the modern- day ‘musical weapon’ that Fela Kuti conceived of. Their conscious lyrics and West African grooves are relevant today, while remaining faithful to the message of afro-beat.

The group is the brainchild of Zvi Belling, Ethan Hill (aka DJ Manchild) and Tristan Ludowyk who are long- time friends and musical collaborators, each with vast and diverse musical backgrounds to draw upon. The band’s directors recently travelled to Africa to promote the new single and recorded with African hip hop stars Tumi (South Africa) and Modenine (Nigeria). These artists feature on the band’s self-released debut album from 2010 “Do Anything Go Anywhere”, which wass nominated for an Aria award for “best world music album”. The full-length was accompanied by a 12” vinyl release that sold out in record time.

Performance highlights include opening the Melbourne International Arts Festival (2008), WOMADelaide featuring Tumi (2010) and the Perth International Arts Festival (2011).

 

For more:
The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra’s website
The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra on facebook
The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra on twitter
The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra on bandcamp