The Berlin Afrobeat Company, Santrofi

Every year on October 15, the House of World Cultures (HKW) celebrates the life and work of Fela Kuti, one of the most important musicians of the 20th century. The title of the initiative, A Felasophic Meeting, indicates that Fela was not just a musician, but also an activist, a political actor and a philosopher. The annual meeting brings together musicians, scientists, activists, storytellers and other fellow travelers from Fela Kuti to dedicate themselves to his music and teaching.

19:00 The Berlin Afrobeat Company

As in the previous two years, the Berlin Afrobeat Company (BAC), which was founded in 1978 in West Berlin as a result of a legendary performance by Fela Kuti & Africa 70 at the Berlin Jazz Days, is playing. Following the concert at that time, many of the most important members of the ensemble decided to stay in Berlin. The BAC today consists of international Berlin-based musicians from various generations who are committed to maintaining and developing Fela Kuti's music through live concerts and various initiatives.

20:30 Santrofi

Santrofi, the main act of the evening, is a supergroup from Accra that combines their passion for classic highlife grooves with the energy of hip hop. Santrofi was founded in 2019 by a group of enthusiastic young musicians with a shared passion for classical highlife, the music of their parents and their childhood, fed from vintage vinyls and memorable radio hits. They learned their craft in the bands of famous Ghanaian musicians, including Ebo Taylor, Ambolley, Pat Thomas and highlife pioneer AB Crentsil, with whom they were in the studio together shortly before he died. But they also played with today's popular stars such as Kidi Yaw Tog, Arathe Jay, Black Sheriff, and many others.

Their debut album Alewa, released in 2020, was already internationally celebrated: it was said that they were resurrecting the golden age of highlife. In 2023, Santrofi teamed up with the Berlin Omniversal Earkestra for a brilliant concert and a resulting live album. In 2025, the latest studio album Making Moves was released on the Outhere Records label. The album celebrates the tradition of highlife and at the same time carries it into the future: perfectly orchestrated with Afrobeat horn section and Highlife Claves, it gives thoughtful songs about everyday topics a funky dancefloor vibe.