Africa Unplugged, led by djembe master Atiba Rorie, are next up on the docket for the Come Hear NC Artist Profile treatment. A compelling fusion of West African rhythm with R&B and jazz song structures, the group is known for putting on barn burning live performances in the Triad, Triangle and beyond. Their music represents a meeting point for a number of world styles which their Instagram bio alludes to with the tag "Mali-Blues." From a homebase in Greensboro, Atiba Rorie was kind enough to answer our questionnaire, and provided epigrammatic but telling responses to its queries. He honestly lists his own group as the most underrated in North Carolina: fortune favors the bold, no?
Capsule summary-style, describe your band(s) (its members, home, history):
Band started in 2011 as an idea for a series of concerts that featured live music from the African Diaspora and directly from West Africa together. It has evolved into a multi-genre band that uses West African concepts with drums, rhythmic and melodic ideas at its core to play music of the African Diaspora. The band is based in Greensboro, NC and has the following members, Atiba Rorie (Band leader, Djembe, guitar, vocals) Elisha Harris (Dunun, Nyanga), Lamar Lewis (Dunun, kenken, Ken clap), Butler Knowles (Bass), Will Darity (Guitar, vocals).
How long have you been in North Carolina, and what's your relationship with the state?
I was not born in North Carolina but both my parents are from NC. While young it was common for me to visit my mom's family farm every summer. We eventually moved to the Farm in Garner for a while and then to Durham. I definitely have various musical influences from NC from hearing Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble, Elements of percussion, NCCU marching band, Mallarme, to my grandmother's church choir.
Most slept-on, underrated North Carolina artist?
Africa Unplugged
Favorite non-musical North Carolina memory/moment?
Large food gatherings with family.
Earliest North Carolina memories?
Playing outside on the family land. Early mornings on the dirt road. My grandfather's beef stew and cabbage.
Has North Carolina been a good place to be a musician?
It has been up and down. NC allows many opportunities to be creative and do something new but depending on what style of music played there are not many public venues. It has allowed me to use music in a variety of ways from Modern dance classes
to creating with my band.
What is the musical community around you like?
The musical community around me is very diverse. There are specialist in Jazz, gospel, European Classical, folkloric playing, and many more that are around.
When did you know you want to be a musician?
My entire life.
Were your inclinations towards music encouraged?
Yes, my parents were very supportive of me playing music. My mother still comes to my performances
now….and dances the entire time!
Do you have a good ear?
I have a good ear for feel. I’m a drummer first, I hear rhythm first.
What would your fans be surprised you love?
How has your work changed over time?
Yes, my work has evolved as I have evolved. It has also grown very much due to my interactions with other
musicians, artists, and experiences. I feel like each time I travel abroad, I return with a new set of influences.
Is there a red thread that connects your earliest work to your most recent?
West African and diasporic rhythm concepts.
What does the genesis of a song for you look like, how does it come
about?
Songs come about multiple ways for me. Most often it's through a melody or rhythm that randomly comes to mind and I build from there.
What's the relation between electronic and mechanical/acoustic instruments in your work?
I use a mix of electric and acoustic instruments in my work. The drums are all acoustic and have a very powerful sound with the bass and guitar being electric and run through an amplifier.
Hopes and schemes for 2025 and beyond?
More life, more experiences, more music.