Afronaughtica is the energetic, talented duo of Chiemi Nakai (piano, keys) & Mari Koga (vocal) that has exploded in the New York jazz scene with its unique blend of Afro -Cuban and Jazz rhythms fused with a musical dynamism that is part Japanese, part contemporary, and pure innovation.

Afronaughtica’s original numbers are composed by Chiemi with lyrics provided by Mari. Latin, jazz and rock standards are also part of their repertories but arranged and revitalized into
modern, dynamic renditions with a sophisticated feel.

Chiemi and Mari have been performing in Japan since when both were college students in Osaka, Japan, and the two friends came to New York to participate in the jazz performance program offered at Queens college of CUNY. In 2008, Mari wrote the lyrics for “The Moon on the Water" and sang it for Chiemi's first album called "bridges," which garnered rave reviews from the critics.

They then formed Afronaughtica in the summer of 2010.
The band most recently played to a packed audience at the Creole nightclub, the mecca of Latin music, as part of its Afro-Cuban Latin jazz series in July, 2010. Their first album, also entitled “Afronaughtica,” will be released in November.

Updated on APR. 6TH, 2012
We are featured on Hampton.com!
See more...

Updated on Jan. 31st, 2012
Mari was a guest on the FM program "Jam Talk Jam" of FM GENKI in Japan.
You can hear the on air the link below.
http://fmgenki.blog.ocn.ne.jp/jam/

Updated on Dec. 21st
Support continues! Our mini album " Volver " is available on itunes!
It is an experiment in Afro-Cuban Jazz with multi-lingual lyrics sung in Japanese, Spanish and English.
The title song " Volver " is dedicated to the Japanese Tsunami victims and sales of this song will be donated to the affected areas. Please join us in supporting the Japanese victims and enjoy our music.

Updated on Dec. 15th
Afronaughtiaca is nominated for the Best Latin Jazz Next Generation Artist. Also Mari is nominated for the Best Latin Jazz Vocalist.
Please vote for us at the link below
http://www.chipboaz.com/blog/best-of-2011/

Updated on Nov. 30th
Our new song! Check it out!
”Lluvia de Lagrimas”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k-Rg_n9sdI

Updated on Nov. 30th
Chiemi's trio will play at The Kitano on Wed Dec 21.
See Schedule
Mari will join as a special guest.
That will be Jazzy version of Afronaughtica. Don't miss it!

Our New Songs are coming out soon!
Afronaughtica's new project has been started.
We recorded our afro-cuban influenced songs in Japanese lyrics.
They'll be available at itunes store soon!

– "Wow, we got a glowing review! Please check it out!"
– The Latin Jazz Corner
– Spotlight: Afronaughtica, Chiemi Nakai & Mari Koga

– Afronautica mini Album available!
– Please visit our Music page for more info.