Yannis & The Yaw is the music project of Foals frontman Yannis Philippakis. It was formed in Paris in 2016. The project's debut EP, Lagos Paris London, was released on 30 August 2024.
In 2016, Foals frontman Yannis Philippakis met up with drummer Tony Allen for a two-day recording session at a "smoke-filled, '70s throwback" studio in Paris. Philippakis initially anticipated the pair would make an Afrobeat record, however, they developed a profound connection and recorded music stemming from the pairs' contrasting cultures featuring rock, funk, jazz and dub influences. They were joined by Allen's regular collaborators Vincent Taeger, Vincent Taurelle and Ludovic Bruni.
In an April 2024 interview with NME, Philippakis said "I feel unburdened now," about finally having the music with Allen completed. Philippakis continued: “There has been this unfinished business that has been occupying my vision for the future. I had to finish it. Especially after Tony passed away and in the midst of COVID; it became much more of a serious project. We had to try and do it justice. It feels good, and I just people to hear it and for it to be out"