Area clubs have been doing a fine job filling out their mid-week schedules over the past month or so. Tonight is no exception when the Brooklyn-based Afrobeat orchestra makes a stop at the uptown club. The Free Agents Brass Band open.
A void was left with the untimely passing of Fela Anikulapo Kuti in 1997 at the young age of 58. He was the first superstar from Africa who turned a compelling blend of James Brown-style funk, African call-and-response vocals, edgy jazz and overt political content into his own musical style—Afrobeat. It also made him a pariah of the government of Nigeria and led to imprisonment and beatings.
Fela had a huge family and almost immediately after his death one of his oldest sons, Femi, took up the torch. His music has a more modern feel, but was well received by new and old fans alike. More recently a younger son, Seun, took up the mantle as well. He tours with Egypt 80—one of his father’s best-loved ensembles.
But it was Antibalas that was partially responsible for cementing Fela’s legacy in the most unlikely of mediums. Members of the band performed in the orchestra pit of the Tony-award winning Broadway musical based on the life of the legendary performer. The show raised the awareness of Fela (pictured below) to levels unseen outside of Africa. Oprah and Jay-Z got on board to support the show.
Antibalas is the real deal. Their sound is based on Fela’s formula. It’s highly danceable, with horns that egg dancers on. The group has never shined away from politics. Clicking a link of a masked face with red stripes and black stars-for-eyes on their home page leads to www.youngvoter.org. The lead single off of their new eponymously titled new album is called, “Dirty Money.”
Fela’s estate has not been quiet either. Earlier this year, they released Fela-Live in Detroit- 1986 that is a powerful addition to his voluminous catalog and captures the intensity of his live performance.
Also a boxed set of re-mastered vinyl is out today. The six album set was curated by legendary drummer Ginger Back and includes Live with Ginger Baker (1971), Roforofo Fight (1972), Confusion (1974), Alagbon Close (1974), He Miss Road (1975) and Na Poi (1976).
