King Ayisoba at The Jam Jar
Headfirst Editor's Pick

"King Ayisoba is a Ghanaian icon. His kologo music is built on ecstatic repetition, bending the humble two-string lute into spiralling rhythms while his unmistakable croak-yelp cuts through a storm of percussion, electronics and communal chants. This is raw, propulsive ancestral music built for you lovers of: Konono No.1, Tinariwen, The Ex, Fela Kuti."

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A gig held at The Jam Jar on Friday 26th June. The event starts at 20:30.


Traditional music dug up from the future!

King Ayisoba, known as the “King of Kologo” and widely regarded as a living legend, is one of Ghana’s most distinctive musical voices. With his unique sound and remarkable vocal range - from deep, raw cries to soft, high-pitched melodies - he creates powerful performances rooted in tradition yet strikingly original.

Hailing from a Frafra hunting community in northern Ghana, his music carries a strong sense of heritage and storytelling. Accompanied by his kologo and a dynamic band of Frafra musicians, dancers, and singers, he delivers high-energy shows driven by hypnotic rhythms and an infectious connection with audiences of all ages.

The Jam Jar Presents
King Ayisoba
+ support
Friday 26th June
Doors Open 8pm
The Jam Jar, Bristol
18+

This show is part of 'Everywhere At Once' powered by The National Lottery (More details below)

KING AYISOBA (Cont.)

A musician since early childhood, King Ayisoba uses music as his primary form of expression. Singing in Frafra, Twi, and Pidgin English, he blends traditional and modern influences while addressing social and political issues, aiming to inspire awareness and change.

Since the release of his breakthrough album Modern Ghanaians (2006), he has won multiple awards, released seven albums, and toured extensively across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia, performing at major festivals such as Roskilde, WOMEX, and WOMAD.

Alongside his traditional work, King Ayisoba is a sought-after collaborator, working across genres including hiplife, reggae, punk, and electronic music. His collaborations continue to expand the reach and evolution of his sound on a global stage.

EVERYWHERE AT ONCE

Everywhere At Once powered by The National Lottery is a nationwide live music event taking place from 26–28 June, bringing together 1200+ gigs across 500+ venues in one weekend. It is the UK’s biggest music festival on your doorstep and a different kind of festival: closer to the music, where local matters, where everyone belongs. Delivered with partners including Music Venue Trust, Liveline, Save Our Scene, Association of Independent Promoters, War Child, Nordoff & Robbins, Help Musicians and Teenage Cancer Trust, it celebrates the importance of grassroots music venues and the communities around them.



Entry requirements: 18+

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