Bukky Leo

Leoford Olubukola Afolabi Bukky Leo , born 22 November 1957 in Paddington, London UK, is an Afrobeat and Jazz musician based in London, and a saxophonist and lead singer with his band Black Eygpt. He is best known as a contemporary of Fela Ransome Kuti and Tony Allen.. and produces Afro Jazz music on current label Drift-Recordings.
== Background ==
Moved to live in Nigeria in (1964) at the age of 6. Aged 10 years he played with the Baptist Church in Lagos where he was also given an Alto Saxophone. When playing saxophone aged 14, he was spotted by Tony Allen
During 1970 - 75 he became a regular attendant of the Kalakuta Republic the residence of Fela Ransome Kuti. He associated with Tony Allen and played with his band [the Mighty Iroko's in Lagos. 
In 1982 Bukky moved to the United Kingdom where he became one of the forerunners of the Acid jazz scene, performing live and recorded with numerous bands including Highlife International, Farenji Warriors and Bush Men Don't Surf led by Banjo Mosele.
In 1988 Bukky recorded and released his debut solo EP Future Generation, released on InTouch Records featuring Master percussionist Gasper Lawal. He was then championed by Gilles Peterson and recorded an album for Acid Jazz Records titled Rejoice in Righteousness (1988), which made No 1 in the Rhythm & Blues charts that year. 
Bukky collaborated with US Drummer Clifford Jarvis on Evolutions in 1987 and Volume 1 of the album was released decades later after Jarvis' passing in 2020.
In 1990 Bukky recorded the River Nile album. In 1992 Bukky made a pilgrimage to Egypt. The River Nile album led him to San Francisco USA through his association with the legendary tenor saxophone star Joe Henderson.
In 2003, Bukky joined African Jazz Allstars (AJAS) fronted by the late Lucky Ranku and Pine Saul and toured Cape Town, North Sea Jazz Festival and Senegal up to 2008.
Bukky Leo and Black Egypt's first release came in 2012 on Mr Bongo Records.
Bukky Leo and Black Egypt released latest album 'The Legend Of William Onyeabor' in 2021 
Bukky paid tribute to his great friend and mentor Tony Allen when he passed away in May 2020
Bukky Leo and Black Egypt pay tribute to Fela Ransome Kuti at the Jazz Cafe with regular annual shows.
== Discography ==
===As Sideman===
Prince Fatty - Survival of the fattest - (Mr Bongo) 2007 
Carl I - Jahug 2007 
Mek It Run with Dennis Bovell - (Pressure Records) 2018 -
Living Am I Living - The Mitchell & Dewbury Band (Mr Bongo) - 2015 - Featured artist
===As leader===
Future Generation - (Intouch Records) - 1988
Rejoice in Righteousness - (Acid Jazz Records) - 1988
Huw Price & Bukky Leo Live - 2007
River Nile - (Moles Records) - 1990
Precious Mother - (Strut Records) - 2000
Bush Men Don't Surf - (Pau Records 2004)
Afrobeat Visions - (Mr Bongo Record) - 2005
Ramaja O (Broadcite) 2007 
Anarchy / Skeleton - (Agogo Records) - 2012
Spaceships Over Africa Bukky Leo with Ra Bob Moses (musician)|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
Category:English people
Category:1957 births
Category:English musicians