AfroNubians
| Company type | Music ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | Tarig Abubakar |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
Key people | Tarig Abubakar (bandleader and chief songwriter), Adam Solomon, Joe Szilagy (Joe Slant), Wail Hajelamin, Kofi Acka, Bruno Hedman, Mohammed Hajelamin |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
The AfroNubians, also identified as Tarig Abubakar & The Afro Nubians, were a world music ensemble based in Toronto. Their sound was a fusion of pan-African musical traditions combined with elements drawn from Latin, reggae, and rock genres.
History
Established in 1992, the AfroNubians were fronted by Sudanese immigrant Tarig Abubakar (1964–1998), who acted as both the bandleader and chief songwriter. The lineup featured notable musicians such as guitarist Adam Solomon, lead guitarist Joe Szilagy (known as Joe Slant), keyboardist Wail Hajelamin, drummer Kofi Acka, saxophonist Bruno Hedman, and bassist Mohammed Hajelamin.
In 1993, the group embarked on a tour across western Canada, which was followed by the release of their first album, Tour to Africa, in 1994. Their subsequent album, The Great Africans, released in 1995, garnered them the Band of the Year award at the Toronto African Music Awards. After completing three tours within Canada, they launched their third studio album, Hobey Laik, in 1997 with support from the Toronto Arts Council.
Tragically, in 1998, just before beginning their inaugural U.S. tour, Tarig Abubakar passed away in a car accident while traveling in Sudan.
In 2005, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation issued a live concert recording produced by Todd Fraracci. This release featured performances by Abubakar, Solomon, Szilagy, Bruno Hedman on saxophone, Jim Heineman on saxophone and flute, Pa Jo on lead guitar, Altaf Bwana Moto on drums, and Joseph Ashong on percussion.
Discography
- 1994: Tour to Africa
- 1995: The Great Africans
- 1997: Hobey Laik
- 2005: Tarig Abubakar & Afronubians Live
External links
- "Tarig Ahmed Abubakar: He was my friend", obituary by Opiyo Oloya
- Afropop Worldwide: AfroNubians
- CBC Shop: Tarig Abubakar & Afronubians Live (includes band background)