London’s eight-piece Afro-jazz collective KOKOROKO rewarded the faithful with one of Fuji Rock’s warmest sets, fusing West African rhythms, London jazz, neo-soul, and deep funk into a joyous communal groove.

They wasted no time. Opening with Ebo Taylor’s “Love and Death,” Sheila Maurice-Grey’s soaring trumpet cut through the evening air as the horn section locked into dense polyrhythms that transformed Field of Heaven into an open-air dance party.

“Something’s Going On” and the dreamy “Closer to Me” flowed effortlessly into an Afro-soul take on Bloodstone’s “Natural High,” with the crowd swaying shoulder to shoulder as the band’s rich harmonies drifted across the hillside.Between songs, percussionist Onome Edgeworth reflected on the group’s long-awaited Japanese debut.

“It’s our first time in Japan,” he said. “We’re proud of our West African roots, our London influences, and the classic music we’ve grown up loving.” He explained that while the band had hoped to make a party record, the studio sessions naturally produced songs about heartbreak, loss, and healing.

“Tough times never last,” Edgeworth told the audience. “Music celebrates all of it.”
The remark perfectly captured KOKOROKO’s appeal. Their music is rooted in London’s multicultural pulse, where Afrobeat, jazz, soul, and funk naturally intersect. Edgeworth added that he’d dreamed of playing Japan since a planned Blue Note performance in 2020 fell through, making the Fuji Rock appearance especially meaningful.

The second half pushed even deeper into the groove. “Idea 5 (Call My Name)” simmered with smoky neo-soul, while a slow-burning version of “I’ll Stay” gave the Funkadelic classic a rich, late-night feel. “Time and Time” swung with effortless ease before “Give Me” burst into vibrant Eighties soul-pop.

By the finale, KOKOROKO had Field of Heaven exactly where they wanted it. “Da Du Dah” kept the brass blazing before “Sweetie” erupted into a rush of West African disco-funk. As Maurice-Grey led the chorus, the audience bounced in unison, turning the field into one giant celebration—proof that KOKOROKO’s greatest talent isn’t just blending genres, but bringing people together.

Set-list
Love And Death (Ebo Taylor Cover)
Something’s Going On
Closer To Me
Natural High (Bloodstone cover)
Idea 5 (Call My Name)
I’ll Stay (RH Factor feat. D’Angelo version’s cover)
Time and Time
Three Piece Suit
Give Me (I Level cover)
Da Du Dah
Sweetie