CLIMAX ORCHESTRA /

EDITION / DISC

STYLE(S)

EPIC AFRO-BEAT

ORIGIN

FRANCE

CONTACT

LAETITIA (LABEL)

EMMELYNE (COMMUNICATION)

 NEWS

NEW SINGLE “SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL” 26.07.2023

BIO

When the rhythm section of Amadou and Mariam takes control of a group with a collective vibe, it results in the Climax Orchestra!

Founded by Yvo Abadi and Yao Dembele, the drummer and bassist of Amadou and Mariam respectively, Climax Orchestra is the culmination of their rich musical experience.

Alongside the famous Malian couple, the two musicians have traveled the world and engaged in musical exchanges. These adventures led them to perform alongside renowned artists such as Blur and Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn for his project Africa Express, as well as Fatoumata Diawara, Baba Maal, Paul McCartney, Eliades Ochoa, Tony Allen, and many others.

During a tour in Colombia, Yvo and Yao discovered that their latest compositions were sailing on the same rhythmic current: Afrobeat! Back in Paris, surrounded by Manu Faivre, a trumpet arranger, and Mo-dj l’électronik marabout, they decided to crystallize their vision of an urban Afrobeat, infused with their diverse musical influences ranging from reggae and funk to electronic music. Thus, Climax Orchestra was born.

The group initially started with instrumental versions and gradually began inviting vocalists they encountered along their journey, such as Congolese artists Yende, Montana, and Richard Kabenga from Jupiter Okwess, Amy-D, a backing vocalist for Salif Keïta, and Manda Sira.

In May 2020, they released their first single, Matabo, a tribute to Tony Allen, an inspirational figure for the group who passed on the rhythms upon which they weave their sounds. This was followed by the singles Tolon in June and N’te Tan Da in November, a track that embodies the essence and energy of their urban Afrobeat. The latter single caught the attention of the French duo Synapson, who released an infectious electro-funk remix.

Climax Orchestra fearlessly embraces its authenticity and firmly establishes its Afrobeat in the present day. In November 2022, the collective returned with their fourth single, Country Side.