Shakatak delights with hits in Dortmund for its 45th anniversary!

Shakatak delights with hits in Dortmund for its 45th anniversary!

The British pop-jazz-funk formation Shakatak cannot miss the opportunity to properly celebrate their 45th anniversary in 2025. The band has come up with a special highlight: a “Very Best Of…” album that includes the most famous hits and charming lounge sounds of the last few decades. On October 31, 2025, the anniversary tour will stop in Germany, and the audience can look forward to a musical journey through time that appropriately recalls the classics between 1981 and 1987. [dortmund.de].

Shakatak's origins date back to 1980, when Bill Sharpe, Nigel Wright, Roger Odell and Keith Winter founded the band. The name “Shakatak” comes from a small record shop in Soho, London. Since their first album “Drivin’ Hard” in 1981, the band has caused a sensation in the jazz scene and made a name for themselves with unforgettable melodies. Most notably, Shakatak had multiple chart positions, including two top 10 hits in the UK Singles Chart: "Night Birds" and "Down on the Street" Wikipedia.

The band and its development

Shakatak's current lineup is essentially the original lineup: Bill Sharpe on keyboards, the charismatic Jill Saward as lead singer, Roger Odell on drums, George Anderson on bass and Keith Winter on guitar. Known for their high level of endurance and professionalism, the band knows how to captivate audiences with their timeless music. Ever since the release of over 50 CDs and several DVDs, it has become clear that Shakatak is a fixture in the music business. They are often praised as pioneers of jazz-funk who can also impress in the modern music landscape shakatak.com.

The band's live performances are a real experience. Entry to the event on October 31, 2025 will be at 7:00 p.m. and fans can look forward to an energetic show. The tour organizer Arts Music Management has its hands full making the event a highlight for visitors.

A look back and forward

What has the band achieved since its beginnings? More than 12 entries in the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles and a steady release cycle of new albums every two years testify to their unbroken creativity. In Japan, Shakatak are particularly popular and enjoy a loyal fan base that can be found both in the underground and in the mainstream. With elements of dance, soul and smooth jazz, their music has constantly evolved over the years Wikipedia.

In 2010, the band celebrated their 30th anniversary with the album Across the World, and now, 15 years later, their 45th anniversary is being celebrated with similar vigor. A comeback from original guitarist Keith Winter, who returned to the band after a long illness, shows that Shakatak has lost none of their charisma.

Fans can already look forward to the upcoming anniversary tour, because with a mixture of hits and an insight into the band's musical development, it will once again be an unforgettable experience. The “Very Best Of…” album will help further cement Shakatak’s musical legacy and delight new and old fans alike.