The Funk Ark, a funk and Afrobeat ensemble founded by keyboardist Will Rast, has announced they are parting ways after nine years, confirming the news via a post to their Facebook page.

“This experiment is over,” the post reads. Bandleader Rast has played in Antibalas’ touring band and with Thievery Corporation in the past, and the band has played numerous festivals and released three studio albums in their almost decade together. The note goes on to thank the band’s fans for their support and promise music from the separate members in the future.

Read the full post and watch a performance from 2012 below:

Thanks to all the folks who have come to see us over the past 9 years and thanks to all of the people that have been in the band. There are many of you. This experiment is over. Thanks to all those who have supported us and lent your talents over the years and thanks to all the individuals who saw this band and took a chance working with us. For our fans, the music is still out there, and new music will emerge from those of us who continue to produce original music.

Bon Voyage,
The Funk Ark