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 incarnaCon 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 eclecCc and explores different facets of metal, between trash, speed, Neo and death influences. Between guUural vocals and rapped flows, heavy riffs and regional rhythms, the result is a unique sound, a new idenCty 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 beauCful rhythmic parts where the percussion instruments take over the rage of the guitars, and moments of grace with acousCc solos and beauCful 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 evoluCon both musically and humanly. A`er 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 of 2022 in Europe where audiences discovered one of the most exciCng and promising bands of the moment. The band was back in Europe during the summer of 2023 performing at two mainstream events: FesCval Cabaret Vert and Motocultor FesCval – first show at a purely internaConal metal fesCval, marking an important step in the band’s career.
In August 2023, the band announced its signature with RPM (Reigning Phoenix Music). Their new album “Dzikkuh” was released in July 2024, to high acclaims for trailblazing novelty in the metal scene.