Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra Highlighted in NPR's Tiny Desk Contest

Phoenix Afrobeat Orchesta produces some of the most cohesive, full-bodied, and smooth grooves in the Valley. This is known. Looks like the rest of the country is starting to find out. The organizers of NPR's much-watched Tiny Desk Contest have chosen Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra as to compete against five other...

By David Accomazzo

February 11, 2016

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Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra produces some of the most cohesive, full-bodied, and smooth grooves in the Valley. This is known.

Looks like the rest of the country is starting to find out.

The organizers of NPR's much-watched Tiny Desk Contest have chosen Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra to compete against five other bands in an online vote leading up to the announcement of the final contest winner. The theme for this week's vote — there will be a different theme each week ("the great outdoors" featured videos shot outside) — is "Big Band, Tiny Desk," and the 16-member PAO certainly fits that criteria.

The group submitted a nine-minute version of their afrobeat jam "Catchu" to the contest. As of the writing of this story, the band was leading the way with 31 percent of the vote. Click here to cast your ballot.

Watch the video below.

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