The Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra is a Leeds-based afrobeat band that takes its influence from Fela Kuti's Africa 70 band amongst many others. Although their music uses Afrobeat rhythm and language, they also owe part of their sound to the space Jazz pioneers of the 1970s and the free jazz trailblazers of the 1960s. The band have been quoted as crediting James Brown and Tony Allen for having a large influence on their music. On 16 November Jamie Cullum cited The Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra as one of his 'sounds and new bands of the year' after broadcasting them on his show for BBC Radio 2.