"Africa is the future of metal." These are the words of Rock Ahavi, the singer, founder and chief songwriter with Arka’n Asrafokor, the electrifying metal band putting their home country of Togo on the map. Cocky? Maybe.
But also a barometer for which way the wind is blowing. While all eyes have traditionally focused on Europe and America, Africa has become a hotbed of boundary-pushing bands and artists, from Kenya’s Lord Spikeheart, Morocco’s Taqbir and Zambia-born, Canada-based Backxwash to Botswana’s vibrant DIY scene, with its striking heavy metal cowboys. Arka’n Asrafokor are in the vanguard of this New African Metal movement.
Their second album, Dzikkuh, slams together groove, and with Togolese folk music. Their supercharged-tribal beats and chants give each song its own vibrant rhythm and thrilling, unique voice. “All the bands in Africa have something to say, and have their own power and message,” Rock says.
“We’re just one part of the battle.” He’s speaking to Hammer via Zoom from his home in Togo’s capital city, Lomé. He’s joined by his younger brother, Arka’n keyboardist/co-vocalist Elom ‘Enrico’ Ahavi, and their manager, Bea M-A.
Rock jokes frequently but speaks with the deliberation of someone who doesn’t want his message to be misconstrued. English isn’t his first language, or even second – French is Togo’s ‘official’ language while the Ewe language is his own mother tongue. The Ewe people are Togo’s most populous .