Afrodiaspora Connection 2025: Jembaa Groove Joins the Lineup for this Jazz Music Exchange

The Goethe-Institut, in collaboration with The Dig Global (South Africa) and Jazz re:freshed (United Kingdom), proudly presents Jembaa Groove (Germany) as part of the all-star lineup for this year’s Afrodiaspora Connection. The Joburg leg of the event takes place on Saturday, 31 May 2025 at Constitutional Hill. Here’s what you need to know.

Afrodiaspora Connection Jembaa Groove | What's on in Joburg — Jembaa Groove

Jembaa Groove make their South African debut

Following widespread acclaim for their 2022 debut album Susuma, which gained strong international support from the likes of KEXP, BBC 6 Music, Gilles Peterson, Soulection, WDR, and FIP, Berlin-based collective Jembaa Groove is now preparing to visit Southern Africa for the first time.

This concert event marks the group’s first tour of Southern Africa, landing during Africa Month — a fitting celebration of the continent’s global sonic influence and the evolving dialogue between African and European music traditions.

Led by Ghanaian percussionist and vocalist Eric Owusu and German bassist/producer Yannick Nolting, Jembaa Groove has carved out a unique global sound rooted in 1970s Ghanaian Highlife, fused with jazz, soul, and Afrobeat. Over the past two years, they’ve performed at some of the world’s premier venues and festivals, including SXSW, Supersonic Jazz, ESNS, and a live session at BBC Maida Vale Studios.

With band members of African and European descent — and former collaborators with legends like Tony Allen, Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas, and Orlando Julius — Jembaa Groove offers a truly contemporary take on African diasporic sounds. Their music doesn’t imitate; it innovates.

Afrodiaspora Connection Steam Down and Zara McFarlane — Steam Down (left) and Zara McFarlane (right)

Who else is on the lineup for Afrodiaspora Connection 2025?

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness one of Europe’s most exciting Afro-fusion bands live in concert. From hypnotic Highlife grooves to soaring jazz solos and irresistible Afro-soul energy, Jembaa Groove’s live show is must-see.

The band will also be joined by UK musician Zara Mcfalane and British afro-punk band Steam Down. On the local front, the lineup features Afro jazz artist Buhlebendalo, jazz composer and pianist Keenan Meyer, and many more.