He wanted Shogun Orchestra, which conjures up the exotica of feudal Japan, to represent his journey through the distant lands of eastern Africa, the Caribbean and the Indian subcontinent.
"I wanted the band to reflect my travelling experiences and represent some of the countries I've been to. We play songs from those places, like Haitian folk songs that were taught to me by the communities in which I lived and original music that was inspired by my travels," he said.
"It's not some pastiche of world music but it is the music of my world."
Johnson said the community feel of the repertoire is mirrored by the camaraderie of the band itself, which is made up of "old mates" he had played alongside while studying at university in the capital 15 years ago.
"We're a real community too. We love sharing stuff and it's just like that, really. These are old mates that I've known forever and I want to stress our music is fun and just really good party time music."
The band also features members from Lord Echo, The Yoots, and the jazz trio Twinset..
Tickets for the show at King Street Live cost $25 each and are available through www.dashticketing.co.nz or by calling 370 4332.
