Bukky Leo

Leoford Olubukola Afolabi (born November 22, 1957), professionally known as Bukky Leo, is a British Nigerian Afrobeat and jazz saxophonist, vocalist, composer, and bandleader. He is the founder of the band Black Egypt and the record label Drift Recordings.

Early life and education

Leoford Olubukola Afolabi was born in Paddington, London, United Kingdom. In 1964, at the age of six, he moved to Lagos, Nigeria, where he grew up. At the age of ten, he began playing music with a Baptist church in Lagos and was gifted an alto saxophone. He was noticed by Afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen, who later invited Leo to play with his Afrobeat band The Mighty Iroko’s.

During his formative years, Bukky was a frequent visitor to Kalakuta Republic, the communal compound of Fela Ransome Kuti, and eventually became a certified member of Kuti’s Young African Pioneers (YAP). He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and International Relations.

Career

From 1970 to 1975, Bukky regularly attended Kalakuta Republic and played with Tony Allen’s band. He drew early influences from both Allen and Kuti, who influenced his Afro-centric musical style.

In 1982, Bukky relocated to the United Kingdom. He performed with groups, including Highlife International, Farenji Warriors, and Bush Men Don't Surf, led by Banjo Mosele. His debut solo EP, Future Generation, was released in 1988 on Intouch Records and featured percussionist Gasper Lawal.

That same year, he was signed by Gilles Peterson to the newly established Acid Jazz Records, where he released Rejoice in Righteousness. The album topped various UK R&B, dance, and jazz charts. Bukky’s collaboration with American drummer Clifford Jarvis on the Evolution sessions also began around this period, although the album was not released until 2020.

In 1990, Bukky recorded River Nile (Moles Records), an album that led to his nomination at the US African Music Awards in 1997. During this period, he visited Egypt on a musical and spiritual pilgrimage that later influenced the creation of his band Black Egypt.

In 2003, Bukky joined the African Jazz Allstars (AJAS) led by Lucky Ranku and Pine Saul. The group performed internationally, including appearances at the North Sea Jazz Festival, Cape Town Jazz Festival, and events in Senegal until 2008.

Bukky Leo and Black Egypt debuted with a release on Mr Bongo Records in 2012. The band has since released several albums, including Anarchy and Skeleton (2012) and The Legend of William Onyeabor (2021), which pays homage to William Onyeabor.

Bukky also contributed to several collaborations, including work with Prince Fatty, Carl I, Dennis Bovell, and The Mitchell & Dewbury Band. His tribute album Evolution, featuring Clifford Jarvis, was released on Drift Recordings in 2020.

In 2022, Bukky founded Drift Recordings for producing Afro-jazz and Afrobeat works.

He wrote and performed the title soundtrack for the documentary My Friend Lanre in 2023.

Personal life

Bukky Leo is the younger brother of the late Syddney Onayemi, who is credited as the first person to introduce disco music to Stockholm, Sweden.

He currently resides in London, United Kingdom.

Publications

As leader

• Future Generation – Intouch Records, 1988
• Rejoice in Righteousness – Acid Jazz Records, 1988
• River Nile – Moles Records, 1990[8]
• Precious Mother – Strut Records, 2000
• Bush Men Don't Surf – Pau Records, 2004
• Afrobeat Visions – Mr Bongo Records, 2005
• Ramaja O – Broadcite, 2007
• Anarchy / Skeleton – Agogo Records, 2012
• Spaceships Over Africa (with Ra Kalam Bob Moses) – Ra Kalam Records, 2017
• Tribute to Fela Vol. 1 & 2 – Drift Recordings, 2018
• Evolution: The Bukky Leo Quartet featuring Clifford Jarvis – Drift Recordings, 2020
• The Legend of William Onyeabor – Drift Recordings, 2021
• Egusinarchy – 2024
• Unisex Dilemma - 2024

As sideman

• Survival of the Fattest – Prince Fatty, Mr Bongo, 2007
• Jahug – Carl I, 2007
• Huw Price & Bukky Leo Live – 2007
• Living Am I Living – The Mitchell & Dewbury Band, Mr Bongo, 2015 (featured artist)
• Mek It Run – with Dennis Bovell, Pressure Records, 2018