In 1981 a group of female musicians came together to form a band called African Woman - the world's first all female reggae band.
Their debut album African Woman Abroad was released in 1985. Two more tracks, recorded in Germany, were also released on a compilation album called People Unite on a label of the same name.
In 1985 vocalists Valerie Skeete and Vyris Edgehill took another avenue and recorded a soul track, "Watch Yourself" under the name of Akabu. It was an Adrian Sherwood production released on the American-based Tommy Boy label.
It was in 1986 that it was decided to merge the two ventures, incorporating both reggae and soul under the name Akabu.
In 1988 the album Akabu was released on their own Viva Records label. They went from strength to strength, travelling extensively and making an impact on the live circuit, not only as a band in their own right, but also backing for the likes of Shara Nelson. The unique sound of the vocal section can be heard on many recordings, as too their versatility as session musicians, with top names in the music industry.
They have shared the stage with Ziggy Marley, Freddie McGregor, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Aswad, Culture and Maxi Priest, to name but a few.
They have made TV and radio appearances in several countries and toured Europe, Japan and America, where they were nominated for a UNA Award.
Their most recent album Warrior Queen was co-produced with Adrian Sherwood and released world-wide on his own On-U sound label. It showcases their many moods and is in a class of its own.
Akabu are currently in the studio working on their next album, with the promise of a single in the near future.

Below are just some of Akabu's achievements over the years:

1981 Formation of African Woman

1983 Release of 'Watch Yourself' on Tommy Boy label

1984 Sunsplash, Jamaica
Appearance at Third World's Zinc Fence Theatre, JA

1985 Release of African Woman Abroad
Release of two tracks on People Unite label
Tours: Norway, Germany, Holland

1987 Notting Hill Carnival, Meanwhile Gardens
Carnival Festival, London
One Love Concert, London

1988 Tours: Germany, Scandinavia, USA
Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden, NY
Italian TV appearances

1989 Tours: Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Japan
Release of album Akabu
Notting Hill Carnival, Main Stage

1990 Tours: Switzerland, USA
American TV guest appearance "Live at the Apollo"
Nomination for UNA award

1991 Release single 'Stampede'

1992 Reggae on the River, California
CRISIS recording in aid of homeless

1993 Tours: Switzerland
Guests at Alton Ellis 30th Anniversary Show

1994 Writing and recording of album Warrior Queen

1995 Release of Warrior Queen

1997 Tours: France