Rooted in 1970s Ghana KonKoma is the brainchild of saxophonist Max Grunhard and producer Ben Lamdin (Nostalgia 77). The idea was to create a band around two highly esteemed Ghanaian musicians - Alfred Bannerman and Emmanuel Rentzos. Both are mercurial talents who over the years have graced the stage with the likes of Bobby Womack, Hugh Masekela and Peter Green as well as being long term members of the Afro-rock band Osibisa.

London based Afro-funk outfit KonKoma will release their self-titled debut on Soundway Records on June 25th. Ghana was the first destination of Soundway's acclaimed compilation series with Ghana Soundz Afro-Beat, Funk And Fusion in 70's Ghana. It has been a long held ambition for the label to work with a contemporary Ghanaian band who can push the country's unique take on afro-beat and highlife forward. KonKoma adds a progressive edge to their rich blend of Afro-funk, jazz, soul and traditional African rhythms as well as acknowledging the 70s recordings that spawned the sound .

Celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year, Soundway's Ghana Soundz compilation featured amongst others, Ebo Taylor, who inspired a young Alfred Bannerman in his formative years growing up in Cape Coast. 10 years on from that inaugural release Soundway have signed a living, breathing live re-birth of the music found on their seminal Ghanaian compilations.