With good vibes and positive energy, Jembaa Groove is a fairly new band, formed in 2020 when bassist Yannick Nolting and percussionist/singer Eric Owusu found common ground and an affinity for creating fresh “Afro-Soul Music” fusing the soulful stylings of Ghana’s Highlife with the danceable heartbeat of 70s soul music.  Based in Berlin, the multicultural world music band also features stellar musicians on guitars, French horn, sax, keyboards and drums. “Amale” is a track with the most rollicking swagger as it incorporates colorings of trumpet as well. 

Profoundly earthy without too much of a high-spirited, frenetic approach, Jembaa Groove creates melodically enthralling pieces like “Aawoya,” “Adesane,” “Bassa Bassa,” “Momi” and “Yafo Nu.” It’s a jazzy groove that is popular, enduring and adaptable. On Susuma, you could say that Osibisa meets Curtis Mayfield for compelling Afro-Soul blended with plaintive vocals and clean, focused instrumental statements in catchy arrangements. Their groove is pleasantly mellow and relaxed. Perhaps on their next adventurous album, they’ll crank it up a few notches with covers of songs like The O’Jays “For the Love of Money” or The Spinners’ “I’m Coming Home.” I look forward to seeing where Jembaa Groove takes their music.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)