Kotoa are a 5 piece band from Loughborough Junction, South East London, made up of drummer Laurie Campling, bassist Frank Black, keyboard player Sam Hillier, guitarist and vocalist Memphis Koloi & saxophonist and vocalist Maia Avery.
Having signed to Wah Wah 45s last year, Kotoa bring a refreshing sound, blending political rhetoric, soulful melodies & heavy bass lines. Deeply influenced by dub, triphop & the recent rise of African inspired jazz, Kotoa are a rising force in Brixton’s historic music scene.
Following on from the success of their recent single, Love and Light, the first to be taken from their forthcoming Out of the Dark EP, due for release in August, and once again produced by revered musician and engineer Benedic Lamdin (Nostalgia 77), the quintet follow it up with the wonderfully dreamy Butterfly House.
Opening with inviting saxophone, warm percussion and fluttering guitar, the track makes way for Maia Avery’s life affirming vocals and soothing sax, connecting with nature and discovering self-acceptance, as the vocalist herself explains:“Butterfly House is a song about rebirth – having experiences in life that change and shape you ultimately for the better. It’s about letting go and embracing this change and becoming more open-minded to new beginnings.”
Reactions & Radio Play
“Brilliant. Just Brilliant!” Robbie Vincent (Jazz FM, UK)
“Beautiful! Full support.” Chris Philips (One Jazz / Jazz FM, UK)
“Sophisticated sensual smooth.” For Mankind (Pikes / Athens of the North, Ibiza / UK)
“Kotoa can do no wrong! I love this uplifting, mellow vibe. Can’t wait to play it in my show for Totally Wired Radio.” Jazzcat (Totally Wired Radio / Ness Radio, Italy)
“Very nice!” Sven Thomschke (Radio Z 95.8FM, Germany)
“Nice vibes Very good.” MP Marcus (Choice FM, UK)
“A blend of rhythm and gentleness.” Veronique Prebolin (Radio Krimi, France)
“Excellent.” Robert Lochmann (Radio X, Germany)
“Lovely!” Cal Gibson (Secret Soul Society, UK)
“Shimmering beauty, like the sun rising and a joyful beginning to a day.” DJ Mr Lob (Melbourne, Australia)
“Nice and moody. Very laid back summer tune – will get a play soon!” Oliver Korthals (Mojo Club, Germany)
“Music full of security.” Mans Stromberg (Radio Helsinki, Finland)
“Sublime – lovely lovely vocals.” Steve KIW (!BTN, UK)
“Quality.” Lorenzo Aldino (Jockey Club, Ibiza)
“Strong tune!!!” Markus Milz (Radio Corax 95.9FM, Germany)
“Beautiful!” Mark Ward (Sideways Through Sound, Australia)
“Nice vibe…..” Steve Cantor (XRay FM, USA)
“We are seriously digging this beauty.” Aja Allsop (Ketch-A-Vibe, UK)
Really fine track, nice again.” Ivan Mera (Higher Club, Spain)
“Will be playing on my “Random Jukebox” show.” Karl Phillips (Source 96.1FM, UK)
“Beautiful band, beautiful music.” DJ Snuff (Universal Magnetic Bboy, UK)
“Another beautiful song ❤️❤️” Linda Boyle (Totally Wired Radio, UK)
“Club/festival/radio ready for cool jazzy sounds.” Gerry Hectic (You And The Music, UK)
