A new chapter for Afrobass
Afrobass is a Norwegian six-piece ensemble where West African musical traditions meet afrobeat, desert blues, jazz, funk and rock – driven by deep grooves and collective improvisation.
Led by bassist and composer Lars Martin Vik, Afrobass brings together Kenneth Kapstad (drums), Oddrun Lilja (guitar), Heidi Kvelvane (saxophone/flute), Vegard Holum (trumpet/electronics) and Ivorian-Norwegian musician Kouame Sereba (vocals, kalimba and percussion).
At the heart of the music is the groove: persistent, hypnotic and open-ended. Strong rhythmic frameworks become a starting point for improvisation, interaction and spontaneous musical development.
From the road to the studio
2026 marked an important step forward for Afrobass.
Following the release of the single Jamal on the Norwegian independent label NYE NOR, the band embarked on a Norwegian tour with concerts in Bergen, Trondheim, Molde, Vestnes, Ålesund and Oslo. The tour drew strong audiences, with several sold-out shows and an enthusiastic response to the band’s new material.
Straight from the road, the six musicians entered Ocean Sound Recordings on the island of Giske to record a new album, bringing the energy, interaction and musical development of the tour into the studio.
Afrobass has signed with NYE NOR, with the new album planned for release in 2027.
The groove moves forward.
With new music on the way and new live dates in development, Afrobass is entering its next chapter – bringing its meeting of West African traditions, Nordic jazz and deep groove to new audiences.
Deep grooves. Open music. Afrobass.
