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Writer's pictureEdward Addo

The West African Love Letter - The Sound of Michelin Star West African Dining



Our vision for Akoko was to create a compact body of work, fully inspired by the origins of the dishes on the menu. With such a dynamic range of flavours and culinary techniques, we wanted to pull the dining experience into a unique sonic experience (sonic pairing) that beautifully compliments the traditional and modern approaches delivered across the dishes. 


Working with sounds, rhythms and instrumentation typically heard in traditional Gambian, Ghanaian, Nigerian and Senegalese music, we infused this with elegant and modern composition approaches, creating a unique sonic experience packed with rhythmic and tonal flavour. 


Producing a bespoke project such as this brings some major benefits that support the Akoko brand and overall experience: 

  • Further solidifies the essence of what makes Akoko special

  • Taking brand of Akoko to new heights, with an alternate experience

  • Customers also get the opportunity to take the Akoko home with them supporting increased brand loyalty


Akwaaba (Sweet Like Jollof) 

Uplifting bouncy track with traditional Nigerian drum rhythms.

Ghana Highlife inspired bass line throughout and shiny modern vocals feature alongside Senegalese guitar to match the approach Akoko take with the iconic dishes of the regions.


Fire & Water

Creative use of a calabash from Ghana creating a sense of sizzling, crackling and dryness typical to many of the dishes across the menu.

Rhythm overall is Gambian. Gambian food features a lot of fish, such as the Gambian Stew. Beautiful spacial synths give a wavy aquatic feel.


New Narratives

Featuring the Kora, this sound is indicative to West Africa with strong pull from Gambia and Senegal. The track speaks to the modern focus Akoko takes with the cuisine defining a new direction and narrative for West African culture.


We Rise Again

Kora, trumpet and Jazz. Direct blend of traditional and modern with strong jazz influence. The trumpet features as a key part bringing a rousing feeling to the track. This track speaks to the growth and resilience seen across West Africa.




"We are in the biggest renaissance of African culture the world has seen in recent times, and especially with regard to African cuisine. For years, Africanism has been perceived as an alternate universe to Western culture, which in many respects, it is. However, African culture has not had the opportunity to showcase its true potentially or ability to fuse with the perceived refinement of modern western culture. Akoko is an incredible bridge into true Africanism that otherwise would be hard for many to access, or understand. 


Akoko is providing a service to Africa. In many ways saying ‘This is what we are. This is how you should understand us to be!’ This matters!


Much like our food, our music has often been boxed in a certain way. This partnership provides a unique opportunity to control the perception and elevate minds to a place of elegance and refinement that we see in ourselves, and want the world to celebrate as well."


Ed Addo - Founder & Creative Director

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