After 12 vibrant years of enriching the Athens music scene, Afrikana Jazz Club is sadly closing its doors. Since its inception in 2012, Afrikana has been a sanctuary for music lovers, offering a unique blend of live jazz, soulful vibes, and an inviting atmosphere that resonated with both locals and visitors.
The inspiration behind Afrikana Jazz Club stemmed from a deep love for jazz and black music, unforgettable travels to Africa, and a legendary bar in Praiano, Italy, during the ’70s and ’80s. This legacy translated into Afrikana’s mission: to offer the best live music in an ideal, beautiful setting with excellent service and an exotic, dreamy atmosphere. With an exquisite wine list and a diverse array of musical events, Afrikana provided a one-of-a-kind experience in the city. From jazz, Afro, soul, and funk to fresh alternative musical proposals, Afrikana highlighted the talent and quality of local and international musicians, always with respect for quality and values.
The Final Four Sessions
As Afrikana bids farewell, it does so with a grand finale of four unmissable sessions in its vibrant open-air setting nestled in the Kerameikos neighborhood of Athens.
Thursday, July 18: Greasy Astronuts
Greasy Astronuts, a funk/soul group formed in 2022, bring their New Orleans funk, soul/funk, and neo-soul vibes to the stage. With influences ranging from The Meters to Jill Scott, this quintet from Athens aims to deliver funky good vibes.
- Members:
- Fay Karastergiou – vocals
- Katerina Liaki – keyboards
- Michalis Karagiannis – guitar
- Nikos Anastasiadis – drums
Friday, July 19: Jerome Kaluta
Afro Greco performer Jerome Kaluta and his band blend Afro, Funk, Soul, R’n’B, Hip-Hop, Latin, and Reggae, offering a taste of both contemporary and old school dance music scenes. This performance promises a unique musical experience reminiscent of Mardi Gras in New Orleans and the Latin boogaloo of Cuba.
- Members:
- Odysseas Apostolopoulos – keyboards
- Michalis Karagiannis – electric guitar
- Victor Kouloumbis – bass
- Nikos Anastasiadis – drums
Saturday, July 20: Organ Trio Smarnakis/Baliousis/Dafnos
This newly formed trio will present boogaloo, jazz funk, and soul, influenced by the tradition of Organ trios like Dr. Lonnie Smith and Jimmy Smith, along with original compositions.
- Members:
- Panagiotis Smarnakis – organ
- George Dafnos – guitar
- Vaggelis Baliousis – drums
Sunday, July 21: Adedeji Adetayo Quartet
Adedeji Adetayo brings a fusion of Afrobeat, soulful funk, and jazz for one last performance at Afrikana.
- Members:
- Manos Anagnostopoulos – bass
- Alexandros Lykothanasis – keys
- Jason Wastor – drums
- Adedeji on guitar, vocals, and music direction
To reserve your spot for any of the sessions, message Afrikana on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/afrikana.athens.
A Heartfet Goodbye by Afrikana
As Afrikana commented on their social media: “A great chapter closes. A great space ‘leaves a mark’ in a tough era that spared none of us, where art, creation, and aesthetics were devalued and downgraded. We managed to survive and thrive, and you embraced our wild dream. Together, we built a beautiful and strong musical community that will leave an indelible mark on our hearts and a romantic story to tell our children. So, we close this cycle of creation, love, and experience, full and ready to spread our wings for the next journey.”
Xpat.gr would like to thank Afrikana for enriching Athens’ music scene and creating unforgettable memories. We wish that their dreamy concept will find new life and form in the future. Who knows what lies ahead?”
