Judith Sodji
- Band influenced by traditional music from Togo, contemporary African music, blues etc. -

HOME TOWN:

Turku

LINE-UP:

(Birth country in parentheses, if not Finland)

Judith Sodji (Togo) - vocals
Lasse Jalava - guitar

MUSIC STYLE:

Ampiaba's music is influenced by traditional music from Togo, today's Western African music, Latin American music, blues etc. The group plays mainly their own compositions (Sodji & Jalava), melodic music ranging from lyrical ballads to funk that makes you dance. Judith has written the lyrics, either in French or in Mina, her mother tongue. In addition to Judith's and Lasse's songs the group performs e.g. songs from Bella Bellow (Togo).

SAMPLE AVAILABLE:

CD "Going back to Aného" was published in 2009, listen to it at MySpace.
Here you can download Ampiaba's "Going back to Aného" CD info package.

HISTORY:

Lasse Jalava, born in Turku, now living in Jyväskylä, formed his first band (Strawberry Jam) already in 1968 and has since then sung, played guitar, mandolin and piano in many ensembles, e.g. Kivitasku (Greek music) and Smokey Room (blues). He has made his main career, however, as a composer of classical music (more info: www.fimic.fi).

Judith Sodji, born in Aného, Togo, has been singing since she was a little girl. Her father taught her Adjigo traditions and ceremonies from her home village Agoué (nowadays part of Benin). She also sang in the choir of catholic church while living in Tsevié. When she arrived to Aného she had already many bands and musical partners.

Judith and Lasse met in 2002 when Lasse was as a scholar in Villa Karo, Grand Popo. They started composing songs together and the cooperation continued when Judith arrived to Finland with her band Africa Biya. They got married in 2003 in Aného, and when Judith moved to Finland, Ampiaba was born.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION:

As a duo Ampiaba can perform in small venues without amplification. For large venues PA and two microphones are required.

CONTACTS:

Lasse Jalava
Tervahovinkatu 9 D 97
20810 Turku
Tel. +358 45 1215 815
lasse.jalava ÄT gmail.com