Live Review: The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, Remi

“What are mah people drinking tonight? Y’all better be drinking some …. Sangriaaa!” Aderemi ‘Remi’ Kolawole, the precocious 22-year-old darling of triple j Unearthed, segues before digging into the deep grooves of his popular song about the drinking culture. With co-vocalist Cazeaux Oslo, Sensible J x Dutch on beats and production, the trio’s ultra catchy, rapid-flowing blend of hip hop creates a physical pulse that feeds the energy in the bare, plywood-featured walls of the room.

The echoes of their sounds are broadened with the arrival of The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra who begin with a four-man brass section, two percussionists, PBS’s DJ Manchild manning the decks, three musicians on guitars and bass, and a two alternating lead vocalists. Senegalese Lamine Sonko (of The African Intelligence fame) is a magnetic guest artist. And then the ladies slink on to join them – a trio of irrepressible delight in matching flowing dresses, big hair and even bigger jewellery in the customary manner of West African bands. Their chanting choruses provide the perfect balance in volume and intensity for the fire-powered brass section at the opposite end of the stage.

Staying true to the tradition of Afrobeat, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra’s tracks last from eight to 12 minutes. At the centre of the stage, Sonko is energy personified on drums – a frenetic, feverish powerhouse who comfortably shares MC duties with the band’s resident guitarist/personality Mr Clean. Just when you think the stage is overcrowded, guest artists emerge from the wings to add to the band’s slick, big sounds. Remi and Oslo weave smoothly in between the musicians and add rap vocals in one segment. Despite the large ensemble, the band’s strength is their well-oiled musical arrangements where no section or instrument ever dominates to the point of cacophony. It’s so tight that there is nary a misplaced beat, strum or scratch. Picking highlights becomes a challenge because of this seamless high standard, but No Passport – with infectious chanting and gyrations by Kuukua Acquah and the ladies – makes it a ‘move however you can’ number, and Mr Clean, gilded with shiny brass and get down funk, are offers to dance that no one can refuse. “In this song, we want to ask you, ‘Are we human, or are we system?’” Sonko asks in a rare moment of ponderance before the politically charged The System kicks off. Midnight has long passed and the dancefloor shows no sign of abating.

Howler hosts the after-party to end all Grand Final after-parties, whether you’re wiping tears away or riding the crest of euphoric celebrations.