Akabu Queens
The history of Akabu Queens spans over four decades. Their journey began in 1981 when Diane White and sisters Shelomi and Paulette Coke formed a drum, bass and rhythm section. They were later joined by Valerie ‘Vybz’ Skeete (guitar/vocals), Natalie Xavier (vocals), Barbara Naps (guitar/vocals) and Vyris Edghill (vocals) and performed under the name ‘African Woman’.
Their debut album, ‘African Woman Abroad’, was released in 1982. Two other tracks, ‘Warrior Queen’ and ‘Awake’, were included on a compilation album called ‘Progress’, released on Misty in Roots’ People Unite label.
They made history by being the first all-female band to take the stage at Reggae Sunsplash in Jamaica, to a mesmerised audience.
By 1986 the band had been through several changes in their line-up, including the addition of Caroline Williams (keyboards). Around this time, Valerie and Vyris had taken another avenue and recorded a soul track, produced by Adrian Sherwood on the Tommy Boy label. It was decided to amalgamate the two projects, and Akabu was born. A short while later, sisters Samantha and Madeleine Edghill (DJ and vocals respectively) joined the band, adding their unique styles to the ‘Warrior Queen’ album, released on the On-U Sound label.
Inspired by The Wailers, these ladies experienced tremendous success touring the world, playing at prominent events, festivals and iconic venues such as Rebel Salute, Jamaica; Western Consciousness, Jamaica; JapanSplash; the world-famous Live at the Apollo in Harlem, and; the prestigious Madison Square Gardens.
They have supported A-listers in the international reggae fraternity, such as the Mighty Diamonds, Burning Spear, Gregory Isaacs, Lee Scratch Perry, Toots & The Maytals, Aswad and Dennis Brown, to name but a few.
Fast forward to the year 2000, and Akabu join forces with female musicians from South London-based band Abbakush to form SISTA Women in Reggae. The 13-strong group of singers and musicians collaborated with Trilla Jenna,
These women play their instruments as though they were born with them; this is a nod to how tight they are. Holding crowds enraptured as they perform, heavy on the drop and with a feminine touch, Akabu is a sizzling, spellbindingly intense band, serving up a tonic of love and reality.
The band kicked off 2023 with an explosive performance at Rebel Salute, Jamaica, closely followed by another tremendous performance at the Hootanany in Brixton, London.
March 2023 saw the release of their new single, ‘Murderation’, under their given name ‘Akabu Queens’. The track addresses the serious topic of youth violence and is taken from their forthcoming EP.
In May 2023, Akabu Queens flew to Winterthur, Switzerland and delivered a dynamic performance at the Afro Pfingsten Festival, followed a few days later by a stellar performance at CitySplash in London, England.
In June 2023, the band also gave a heartfelt contribution to the One Heart Festival, London, England, a tribute to the tragic Grenfell Fire bereaved and survivors.
The ladies also were called upon to perform at the Greensleeves Blue Plaque unveiling in Shepherds Bush, London, England, giving the band’s special treatment to many classics from the Greensleeves catalogue.
More recent performances last summer included barnstorming sets at the Boomtown Festival in Winchester, England, the No Logo Festival in Paris, France, the Rototom Festival in Valencia, Spain and the Butetown Carnival in Cardiff, Wales.
Akabu Queens:
Drums/Vocals: Barbara ‘Naps’ Grossett
Bass: Diane ‘Bassy D’ White
Guitar/Vocals: Valerie ‘Vybz’ Skeete
Keyboards: Caroline ‘Rhythm Queen’ Williams
Guest Vocalists & Musicians: Vocals: Makeda Moore and Rafeelya.
