Kokoroko at Luzern Live

Another day, another concert – this time it was Kokoroko at Luzern Live. They for sure brought some smooth jazzy funky vibes with afrobeats to Lucerne’s KKL. They were a great addition to the line-up this year.

London-based Afrobeat collective Kokoroko brought their signature blend of jazz, soul, and West African rhythms to Luzern Live this week, opening the night at the stunning KKL before Ezra Collective took the stage. Originally stepping in on short notice after Yussef Dayes had to cancel, the group didn’t miss a beat. It was lovely to listen to their arrangements and infectious grooves. They for sure set the tone for the evening with a performance that was both laid-back and musically rich.

A Chill Set That Set the Tone

Personally, I really enjoyed their set. The sound was smooth, mellow, and effortlessly chill—exactly what you’d want to ease into a long night of music. The two ladies Sheila and Noushy were especially captivating, both with their instrumental skills and their vocals. While the audience was still warming up and mostly stayed calm—just a few heads nodding here and there—you could sense that Kokoroko’s groove was starting to sink in. It was a perfect slow burn that paired well with the energy Ezra Collective would later bring as the night’s headliner.

Humor, Delays & Upcoming Dates

One of the best moments came from keyboardist Yohan Kebede, who got the crowd laughing when he joked about Swiss punctuality: “You know it’s gonna start on time”—ironically said after the band had started late. While I had heard of Kokoroko before, I wasn’t too familiar with their music. After this performance, I’m definitely intrigued to hear more.

If you missed them in Luzern or want to catch them again, good news—Kokoroko will be back in Switzerland on October 31st, playing at JAZZNOJAZZ in Zurich. Mark your calendars!