Bio
Bortier Okoe is a multi-faceted artist, being a Master Drummer and singer and he composes music which is
an original fusion of modern and traditional African sounds, and is also a cultural educator. He has taught
music, dance and culture to hundreds of students from within and without Africa. In a time when positivity
and connection are in dire need, Bortier’s music addresses an imperative psychological necessity – hope.
Bortier has performed in projects with people all over the world. He performed in Ghana at Homowo, and in
Australia Bortier has performed as a solo artist, and also with his band in numerous major International and
local festivals including SANAA, Unmasked African and National Folk Festivals, WOMADelaide, Adelaide’s
New Year’s Eve concert and Sounds of Africa.
During 2021, Bortier has been working in collaboration with Nexus Arts Orchestra, most recently performing
for the Governor’s Multicultural Awards ceremony, and also with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Floods of
Fire project.
2021 and 2022 have seen the successful release of two singles. ‘Nokomba’ meaning “Something is coming” was
very well received by the public and was selected as a featured track on the African Cup of Nations tournament
via Obonu TV in Accra Ghana. Both the Nokomba track and the video reached number #2 on EthnoCloud’s
World Music Top 40 Charts. This year his latest release is “No man can survive alone”, a stirring piece, about
freedom, possibilities, and preserving the future. This song was selected by Triple J Unearthed as “Track of the
Day” only two days after its release, and reached number 3 on AMRAP Australian Music radio airplay project,
also within a few days of its release. It has an infectious dance beat, and uses numerous instruments in the
arrangement. It is true that ”No Man Can Survive Alone” yet together we can build a better future.
“Oh man, as soon as the fluttery guitars came in, I felt like I had flown back home to Nigeria. The
highlife and afro beats roots on this are so comforting and am so glad it’s being made in AUS!”
Jerry Ijale Agbinya (Triple J)
“The groove is so strong. The message is even stronger. There’s so much power in songs like this
and if more people brought the kinda vibe Bortier Okoe brings here, the world would undoubtedly
be better.” Dan Condon (Triple J)
https://bortierokoe.bandcamp.com/track/ga-m-i
Where are you based?
Adelaide / Australia
How long have you been making music?
Over 25 years
What genre would you consider your music to be?
Garoots Music, World Music, Highlife, Afrobeat, Jazz, African Music
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I come from a musical family and music has been part of me since i was born.
What are your biggest musical influences?
Fela Kuti/ Yous’n dour, Randy Borquaye, Salif Keita, E.T Mensah, Osibisa
Are you signed to a label or are you an independent artist?
No
What have been the biggest challenges in your music career?
Luck of support from industry and getting the right audience to find my music.
How many songs or albums have you released to date?
Heaps of song couple of albums
Can you tell us a few things about your latest release?
I dedicate this beautiful song to Nungua Kpledzoo and the entire Ga Adangbe state in Greater Accra Region in Ghana. Encouraging The Ga-Adangbe group to come together and celebrate the Homowo Anual festival and to empower themselves.
Any plans for new music or upcoming projects we should know about?
Keep an eye on my social media for my new album and more music coming.
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