The Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra is a British musical ensemble from Leeds that formed in 2007. The group originated from jam sessions at the Sela Bar and is famous for an afrobeat sound influenced by Fela Kuti, James Brown, and 1970s space jazz pioneers. After signing with First Word Records in 2009, they released their debut single in 2010, which featured a cover of the Jimi Hendrix song “Crosstown Traffic”. Their eponymous debut studio album, Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra, was released in 2010 followed by the recording Towards Other Worlds (2012). The ensemble was recognized with the Tropical Sound award at the 2013 Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards. The group has performed extensively at United Kingdom festivals including Shambala and Limetree, and recorded a live session for BBC Radio 6 Music.
