Imagine having fun all night long in a club where instead of a DJ playing, you are treated to a live performance of your favorite afrobeat songs by an energetic and talented brass band.

Ghana has over the years become a hotspot for entrainment thanks to our ever-vibrant nightlife scene. From pubs, clubs, restaurants, and concerts, Accra has become synonymous with ‘enjoyment’.

With so much music to be consumed, the traditional DJ set seems to be losing its crowd engaging power and the live band experience has become an alternative for some.

Live band music in its early days was classified as “boring music for the old” but one band in Ghana is changing the narrative with their unique style of performance.

The Kentos Brass Band deftly synthesizes the gritty sounds of afrobeat and gives fresh takes on popular classics. Brandishing a powerful brass frontline of trumpets, trombones, saxophones, with a funky backline of drums and sousaphone and two vocal leads, the experienced band based in Accra, specializes in high-energy entertainment for every occasion.

The Kentos Music Band: Ghana’s budding brass band thrills music lovers at SkyBar 25

I watched The Kentos Band perform at the SkyBar 25 a month ago and was in complete awe of their talent so imagine my surprise when I was invited to come to see them perform at the popular bar/nightclub SOHO.  My first reaction: A brass band performance in a club from 1 am? That’s interesting!!!!

The difference between a brass band and a DJ is the difference between listening to a song on the radio and listening to it at the front row of a concert. Doesn’t matter who you are, it’s hard to be excited by a brass band performance, especially in a club since it’s a new twist to the traditional clubbing culture in Ghana.

Having already experienced The Kentos Band, I was eager to see how well they would entertain this world of nightlife which is mainly accustomed to DJ sets.

I got to SOHO, early enough to see the 13-member band setup and patiently waited  for their audience. In no time the club was been filled and by 1 am just as communicated, the band was ready to go. Adorned in their usual all-white attire, the band welcomed us and set the ball rolling.

Vibe and atmosphere aren’t only about the playlist but the style of music, song selection, noise level, etc. are important factors, and the way the music is played also has a big effect on the mood.  The Kentos Band set the mood right from their very first song, half the crowd were on their feet singing and jamming along.

The crowd loved the band’s infectious energy and incessant beats, even the most hard-and-fast wallflowers found themselves tapping their feet or humming along to the music. For those who do like to party on the dance floor, the feeling of the brass band was electrifying.

From 1 am to 4 am, The Kentos Brass Band skillfully performed popular music ranging from R & B to pop, Afrobeats, and more that had us excited from start to finish.

WHY EXPERIENCING A BRASS BAND PERFORM IN A CLUB IS WORTH IT

When a band is close to the dance floor, people can feel the energy. While you can often feel the energy from the bass of a DJ’s speakers as well, it’s missing that human element and this is one of the things that makes a live brass band experience so outstanding. That human element along with live instruments makes for a dynamic presence in the club.

The Kentos band vocalists not only know how to sing well, but they also emcee, and interact with clubgoers. More than that, they were very mobile, adding a fun, special element to the club experience. Watching the lead vocalists move from table to table, dance with different crowds, and play among guests, making them part of the experience was exciting to witness.

 

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Experiencing brass band music in a club is soul-stirring, emotional, dramatic, and entertaining.

If you missed the first one, luckily you don’t have to have to wait for long to be able to enjoy The Kentos Band.
The band begins a month-long residency at SOHO, every Friday throughout April.

There is a special Good Friday performance coming up soon and when the band starts to play, all that’s required of you is to dance!

 

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