For over three decades, Najite has kept authentic Afrobeat and African jazz alive from its home base in Los Angeles. Led by Nigerian master percussionist Najite Agindotan, this roaring ensemble embraces the restless genius of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the harmonic innovation of Horace Tapscott and the rhythmic soul of the African Diaspora.

Band leader Najite Agindotan was born in Lagos, Nigeria where, under his father’s direction, he became fully immersed in the musical traditions of his homeland. In his youth he became a protege of Fela Kuti. Aside from learning and mastering the arts of traditional West African drum and dance, Najite spent much of his time in Fela’s Kalakuta compound. He performed as a guest artist and was eventually taken as a godson by the late activist and Afrobeat originator.

After traveling to the U.S. and playing with such jazz legends as Horace Tapscott and Billy Higgins, Najite formed his own group in 1983, and continued to keep the pulse of African music beating strongly in the west coast.

Najite and his Afrobeat ensemble have since released 4 albums, toured with Afrobeat originator Tony Allen, and their latest work “Afrobeat L’Ayeraye” is a multi-generational achievement of knowledge and experience being passed down, as Najite’s immensely talented sons have co-written and co-produced these new original compositions.