El Klassik Band

El Klassik Band is a multi-genre, pan-African music collective renowned for its electrifying live performances, genre-bending sound, and politically conscious lyrics. Formed in Nairobi, Kenya, El Klassik Band blends afro-fusion, jazz, highlife, soul, reggae, and kalpop—a genre they helped pioneer—with a bold mission to inspire, entertain, and provoke social dialogue through music. The band has gained regional acclaim and international attention for its creative excellence, witty wordplay, and collaborations with iconic artists across Africa.

Background and Formation

El Klassik Band was founded in the early 2020s by a group of Kenyan musicians who shared a passion for fusing African roots music with contemporary global sounds. Spearheaded by lead vocalist and songwriter DON SANTO, the band quickly developed a reputation for sophisticated compositions, rich instrumentation, and storytelling that cuts across class, culture, and borders.

Their name, “El Klassik,” pays homage to their belief in timeless music (“classic”) and the elevation of African artistry to global standards.

Musical Style and Influences

El Klassik Band’s sound is often described as Kalpop and afro-classic soul, blending traditional African rhythms with modern sonic palettes. The group draws influence from artists such as Fela Kuti, Salif Keita, Brenda Fassie, Hugh Masekela, Erykah Badu, and contemporary acts like Chronixx and Burna Boy. Their music often incorporates Swahili, Sheng, English, Lingala, and other African languages to reflect the diversity of the continent.

They are also recognized for pioneering and promoting Kalpop—a genre that fuses African percussive traditions with soulful pop melodies and poetic storytelling.

Breakthrough and Recognition

El Klassik Band gained continental recognition following the release of their debut EP “Bandemic”, a soulful and cinematic project that positioned them as standout live performers. The band solidified their influence with multiple awards, including:

Best African Band – East Africa Music Awards
Best Live Performance Group – Klassik Nation Honours
Album of the Year Nominee – African Indie Music Awards

Their powerful performance at the United Nations Global Culture Gala in 2023 further boosted their global appeal, earning praise from international dignitaries and music critics alike.

Notable Projects and Collaborations

In 2025, El Klassik Band was prominently featured on Don Santo’s revolutionary album "African Lion II", contributing to 7 out of the 15 tracks. The project became a continental sensation, combining spoken word, afro-jazz, reggae, and satire to reflect the socio-political climate in East Africa.

Other collaborations include performances and recordings with:

Kingpheezle
Sleek Whizz
Mike Zero
The AfroGods

Bandemic (2025)

Their most impactful project to date, "Bandemic", is an afro-sonic concept album that reimagines music as a contagious force for joy, rebellion, and healing. The album features standout tracks like Kasongo, UWI, Airborne, Klassik Fever, and Viral Vibes. With themes ranging from love and liberty to social justice and youthful freedom, Bandemic was praised for its creativity and political edge.

Live Performances and Cultural Impact

El Klassik Band is celebrated for its theatrical stagecraft and emotionally charged shows. The band often performs in customized stage attire, blending traditional African fabrics with modern aesthetics. Their performances are known to incorporate live storytelling, dance, spoken word, and audience chants.

The band has headlined major festivals across Africa and Europe, including:

Kisumu Lakefront Arts Festival
Cape Town Sounds of Freedom
AfroNation Portugal
Jahazi Lit Fest Zanzibar

Legacy and Vision

El Klassik Band continues to be a voice for young Africans, challenging political apathy and celebrating the continent’s cultural depth. Their vision is to use music as a tool of empowerment—bridging generations and transforming everyday stories into timeless classics.