ARKA'N ASRAFOKOR

Bio

In Lomé, there are no metal clubs and the genre is not always welcome. However, today, Togo is becoming one of the cornerstones of African metal with the rise and shine of Arka'n Asrafokor.

This metal fusion band, composed of five audacious musicians, is a unique incarnation of an extreme West African sound, both rooted in regional rhythmic cultures (Gazo, Blekete, etc...) and the metal universe of the 80s and 90s. The rhythms and sounds of the land make up the cultural base of the band’s music - called “asrafocore” (the music of the warriors) - with values conveyed in unequivocal texts.

The band is very eclectic and explores different facets of metal, between trash, speed, Neo and death influences. Between guttural vocals and rapped flows, heavy riffs and regional rhythms, the result is a unique sound, a new identity in the global spectrum of the genre. The vocals go from Ewe (one of the languages of Togo) to English, with a nod to French. There are also beautiful rhythmic parts where the percussion instruments take over the rage of the guitars, and moments of grace with acoustic solos and beautiful Afrofunk gimmicks.

The group released its first album in February 2019 "Zã Keli" (Light/Darkness), which is a synthesis of several years of experience and evolution both musically and humanly. After having toured for a few years in West Africa (Ghana, Burkina Faso, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire...) in the rare spots where rock and metal are welcome, the band went on tour the summer and fall 2022 in Europe where audiences discovered one of the most exciting and promising bands of the moment.
The band was back in Europe this summer 2023 performing at two mainstream events: Festival Cabaret Vert and Motocultor Festival – first show at a purely international metal festival, marking an important step in the band’s career.
In 2024, the band performed in Abidjan (April) and Winthertur (near Zurich, May).
After signing with record label Reigning Phoenix Music, the band released its second album "Dzikkuh" (bring back the anger) on July 19th 2024.

The band will be touring in 2025.