Extended Family Jazz Band

The pride of Down 4 whateva entertainment lies with the extended family jazz band – a vintage group of talented musicians that fuse classical afro rhythm with jazz to form afro jazz.

Formed in 1978, the band members are the pioneers of Jazz music in Nigeria and where the first in the country to put out an album on compact disc. Quoted as “being more inventive than most other musicians anywhere” by the wall street Journal, the band extensively toured Europe and Australia to promote their first album – Jisting – which was released in 1991. This critically acclaimed master piece was produced by the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Tunde Kuboye (the band leader). Apart from
playing at the famous Glastonbury Festival, the Extended family band jammed with the likes of Ginger Baker, Courtney Pine and Jazz Jamaica.

The band’s composition was centered around its lead singer, Fran Kuboye, whose voice was a masterful instrument. This phenomenally gifted tenor delivered powerful performances – from soft ballads to jazz classics. With a genuinely soulful voice, Fran was the heart of the band until her untimely death in 1997.
Since then her brilliant composer husband and band leader, Tunde Kuboye, has stepped to the fore and guided the band through its concerts, gigs and appearances.

Teaming up with the new wave entertainment company, this 15 man versatile ensemble is redefining its image of ‘old school enthusiasts’ to ‘afro jazz ambassadors’
– keeping intact its originality and quality. A flagship of true African music, the extended family band is gearing towards making a comeback.