Richard Bona: Exploring Roots, Freedom, and Global Sounds

Richard Bona, the Grammy-winning bassist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist affectionately known as "The African Sting," brings his unparalleled artistry to Yoshi's in Oakland this January. With his Asante Trio—featuring Cuban pianist Jesús Pupo and drummer Ludwig Afonso—Bona promises an Afro-Cuban musical feast. But his Yoshi's performances are only the beginning of an exciting year, packed with a new single, a European tour, and his ongoing advocacy for independent artists. In this week's Backstage Bay Area podcast, host Steven Roby sat down with Bona to uncover the stories behind his music, mission, and love for collaboration.

Bona's new single, "Piel Canela," a collaboration with Grammy-nominated pianist Alfredo Rodriguez, dropped in early January. The two artists have reimagined the timeless classic with a soulful, jazz-infused energy. "Alfredo and I went through a bunch of songs, and when he suggested 'Piel Canela,' it just felt right," Bona shared during the interview. "The challenge is knowing so many songs—it's hard to choose!" Fans of global music will find this single a perfect showcase of Bona's ability to blend Afro-Latin rhythms with his signature Cameroonian roots.

But beyond his music, Bona opened up about the freedoms he's embraced as an independent artist. "Art should be free," he explained. "I've been with record labels, and they tell you, 'We need a Christmas album,' or 'We need this type of song.' But art doesn't work that way. Some mornings, I wake up uninspired. On other days, everything I touch sounds good. I want to create when I feel it's right—not on a schedule!"

For Bona, independence isn't just about financial control—it's about staying true to his artistic vision. "When I sell 20,000 albums independently, that's all mine. When I was with a label selling 200,000, I saw nothing."

Following his Yoshi's performances, Bona will embark on a European tour in February, featuring collaborations with orchestras like Metropole and the Brussels Jazz Orchestra. "Playing with orchestras elevates my music to another level," he said. "These are some of the best musicians in the world. It's like a perfect month for me—different bands, different arrangements, and two solo concerts in Sweden. It keeps me creatively alive."

Bona's love for collaboration extends beyond the orchestras. The Asante Trio, his Yoshi's lineup, is another example of this. "This trio brings together the backbone of African and Cuban music," he said. "Jesus Pupo and Ludwig Afonso are young, brilliant musicians who can play anything. Mixing their energy with my African roots creates something magical!"

Throughout this episode, Bona returned to a central theme: empowering young musicians. He emphasized the importance of honing your craft before striving for independence. "Focus on being good at what you do," he advised. "Once you're great, independence becomes a natural next step. But first, you have to be ready."

He also spoke candidly about the challenges of being an independent artist in today's music landscape. "The system isn't built for artists to be free," Bona said. "But freedom allows you to create on your terms. It's why I mentor young talents—to show them there's a way to navigate this industry without losing their authenticity."