ALI (acronym for Alien Liberty International) is a Japanese band formed in Shibuya, Tokyo, in 2016, known for their unique fusion of funk, jazz, hip hop, and global influences. The band gained fame through their hit anime soundtracks, including "Wild Side" for Beastars and "Lost in Paradise" for Jujutsu Kaisen. All members of the band are mixed with roots in Asia, Europe, America, and Africa.
In May 2021, ALI went on indefinite hiatus following the arrest of their drummer, Kahadio, for fraud. After a six-month break, the band returned in November 2021.
As of October 2024, ALI is now a solo project led by vocalist Leo, continuing the band's signature cross-genre sound after the departure of key members Luthfi and César.
Career ALI (Alien Liberty International), a multinational hip-hop and funk band, was formed in 2016 in Shibuya, Tokyo. The group drew inspiration from global influences, blending roots from Japan, Europe, America, Asia, and Africa. Named after the boxer Muhammad Ali, the band sought to embody his energy, presence, and ideals of unity through their music.
ALI gained widespread recognition in 2019 with their debut single, "Wild Side", which served as the opening theme for the anime Beastars. This marked a turning point for the band, showcasing their cross-genre appeal. Their subsequent single, "Lost in Paradise" featuring rapper AKLO, became the ending theme for Jujutsu Kaisen, further cementing their place in the Japanese music scene.
However, On May 14, 2021, ALI faced controversy when their drummer, Kahadio, was arrested for fraud, leading to the cancellation of their contracts with Sony Music and the removal of their track "Teenage City Riot" from The World Ends with You: The Animation. The scandal resulted in the band's indefinite hiatus in May 2021. Kahadio was expelled from the group, and ALI publicly apologized to their fans and the victims of the crime.
After six months, ALI made their return in November 2021, continuing to produce music and perform live. Despite the setback, the band persisted, showcasing their resilience and passion for music. On February 23, 2022, the band released the EP "Inglourious Eastern Cowboy". On January 25, 2023, they released their debut album Music World.
In July 2024, they performed at Anime Friends in Brazil.
In October 2024, ALI transitioned into a solo project led by vocalist Leo Imamura after key members, guitarist César and bassist Luthfi, left the group to pursue new ventures.
On January 9, 2025, the song "Casanova Posse" was released, which is the opening of Dr. Stone: Science Future.
Band members Current members Leo Imamura – vocals (2016–present)
Former members Jua – rapping (2016–2020) Zeru – guitar (2016–2020) Kahadio (Kadio Shirai) – drums (2016–2021) Yu Hagiwara – saxophone (2017–2021) Jin Inoue – keyboard (2019–2021) Alexander Taiyo Fidel – percussion (2016–2022) Luthfi Rizki Kusumah – bass guitar (2016–2024) Aiichiro César Tanaka – guitar (2020–2024)
Discography
Albums
+ List of studio albums, with selected chart positions Title Album details Peak chart positions JPNOriconDigital JPNBillboard Music World Released: January 25, 2023 Label: Mastersix Foundation Formats: CD, digital download, streaming 40 41
Mini albums + List of mini albums, with selected chart positions Title Album details Peak chart positions JPNOricon JPNBillboard ALI Released: November 27, 2019 Label: Alien Liberty International Formats: CD, digital download, streaming — — Love, Music and Dance Released: January 27, 2021 Label: Mastersix Foundation Formats: CD, digital download, streaming 110 75 Inglourious Eastern Cowboy Released: February 23, 2022 Label: Mastersix Foundation Formats: Digital download, streaming — —"—" denotes items which did not chart.
Singles + List of singles, with selected chart positions Title Year Peak positions Notes Album JPNOricon JPNHot100 "Wild Side" 2019 113 — Music World "Lost in Paradise" 2020 28 44 "Never Say Goodbye" 2022 36 —"—" denotes items which did not chart.
Digital singles Title Year Peak positions Album JPNHot100 "Show Time" 2022 —Music World"—" denotes items which did not chart.
Collaboration singles Title Year Artists Peak positions Album JPNHot100 "Sabotage (VS. ALI)" 2022 Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, ALI — "—" denotes items which did not chart.
Music videos Year Song Director(s) Album2019 "Vim" ALI "Staying in the Groove" Masanori Kobayashi,Takuya Chiba "Temptations" "Tokyo Pharaoh" "No Tomorrow (Give It Up)" Yusuke Kasai "Wild Side" Naohiro Ohashi 2020 "Muzik City" Love, Music and Dance "Better Days" Katsuki Kuroyanagi "Lost In Paradise" Kento Yamada & The Monaco Club Music World2021 "Fight Dub Club" "Feelin' Good" Love, Music and Dance2022"Teenage City Riot"Arata Takabatake & Isamu MaedaInglourious Eastern Cowboy"Sabotage (VS. ALI)"rowspan="1" "Show Time"Margt (Perimetron)Music World2023"Wild Angel"Kosuke YamashitaVIVA LA MUSICA2024"Professionalism"Kosuke Yamashita"Beyond"Mineto Kanzaki"Neon"Yohei Haga2025"Casanova Posse"Hidenobu Tanabe"Love Is Killing Me"Katsuki Kuroyanagi"Choose Life"Kotaro Yamada2026"Golden Horizon"Hideto Hotta"FUNKIN’BEAUTIFUL"Takuto Shimpo
Awards and nominations Year Award Category Work/Nominee Result Ref. 2021 5th Crunchyroll Anime Awards Best Opening Sequence "Wild Side" rowspan="2" Best Ending Sequence "Lost in Paradise"
References
External links