tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220631252011-12-08T08:01:38.235-05:00Daily news, music reviews and commentary on Afrobeat and related music from Africa, The Caribbean and The Americas.Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.comBlogger1911100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-1334058840658817422011-04-01T16:55:00.034-05:002011-04-01T17:40:21.746-05:00

One of the most exciting world music events of the year will be in Miami on April 16th: the 13th Annual Afro Roots World Music Festival.The festival will feature the Haitian Rara & Caribbean sounds of Boukman Eksperyans; Locos Por Juana with Special Guest Rocky Dawuni; The Spam Allstars with Special Guest Papa Malick Faye; and Jahfe plus DJ Moses and live painting by Lebo.That's a dynamite lineup

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-21255944962504579632011-03-05T19:46:00.005-05:002011-03-06T13:13:08.090-05:00

Legendary South African choir Ladysmith Black Mambazo comes to Washington, DC's Lisner Auditorium on Thursday, March 10th.Ladysmith Black Mambazo create a joy-infused environment everywhere they sing the complex and harmonious songs developing out of the South African Isicathamiya tradition. The Grammy-Winning all-male choir, launched to international fame by Paul Simon's Graceland, has married

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-73305200106365368312011-02-21T13:32:00.021-05:002011-02-21T23:16:38.880-05:00

by David McDavittSurfacing mysteriously after over 30 years, the video footage of Fela and African 70’s set at the Berlin Jazz Festival (Berliner Jazztage) in 1978 is a true gift to lovers of Fela and Afrobeat, marking the best quality video/audio and musical performance of Fela to date. Seek it on Youtube if you must, but true fans will want to obtain a DVD copy to witness this event in its full

David McDavitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11082429044304473661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-17354226765062929532011-01-24T18:35:00.033-05:002011-01-25T13:01:33.267-05:00

By Victor Crisen“I am the ambassador for Timbuktu” reveals Khaira Arby on an NPR interview. A relative star by her teenage years, Khaira Arby is a modern force for the bestowment of Malian traditional music with a modern sensibility. Inspired and mentored by her cousin Ali Farka Toure, whom Khaira sang with in her twenties, Khaira is advancing the reach of Malian music, as well as evolving the

Victor Crisenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12652059156533072061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-41941161697164411282010-12-30T22:17:00.003-05:002010-12-30T22:25:36.437-05:00

For those unfortunate souls who missed the run of “FELA! The Musical” on or off broadway, we have wonderful news: The London run of “FELA! The Musical” will broadcast via theaters , late January, 2011.“NT Live performances are filmed at the National Theatre in high definition and broadcast via satellite to 300 cinemas and performing arts centres in 22 countries, live in Europe and some US cities,

David McDavitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11082429044304473661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-83075599260492481642010-06-17T17:13:00.003-05:002010-06-17T17:19:57.279-05:00

FELA on Broadway no get enemy. In fact it has the enthusiastic support of the popular masses, and now official recognition from the Tony Awards®.Best Choreography: Bill T. JonesBest Costume Design: Marina DraghiciBest Sound Design: Robert KaplowitzEverybody say, "Yeah Yeah!"

David McDavitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11082429044304473661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-3274084570302371732010-05-30T15:45:00.001-05:002010-05-30T15:46:30.434-05:00

By Robert FoxWow, check out this footage!

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-66944031985598433762010-05-24T13:55:00.003-05:002010-05-24T13:59:27.770-05:00

By David McDavittThe ultimate Fela tribute band (a.k.a. “FELA!” on Broadway) will release a CD June 8, 2010. Performed by members of Antibalas afrobeat band, with Sierra Leone’s Sahr Ngaujah on lead vocals this album is sure to be an afrobeat classic. Broadwayworld.com rates the forthcoming original cast recording of the afrobeat musical 9.5 out of 10 stars. Produced by Rob Sher (Follies and

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-89711440707599598942010-04-30T10:46:00.005-05:002010-04-30T10:53:10.835-05:00

Great show tonight at Jammin Java outside of Washington, DC in Vienna, VA: Chopteeth and Funk Ark. If you're in the area, hope you can make it!

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-25938799058782696892010-04-25T18:19:00.005-05:002010-04-25T18:26:04.751-05:00

By Marc BrunerBassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba is a fantastic band that you need to hear now. Bassekou Kouyate is a master of the ngoni, a small, traditional plucked lute with a big place in Malian history and a rich, deep sound. Bassekou is also the master bandleader of Ngoni Ba, an insanely talented group of four ngoni players (including Bassekou and two of his brothers), each with an ngoni of

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-77516796093482558152010-02-24T19:42:00.002-05:002010-02-24T19:49:03.683-05:00

By David McDavittWhoever thought theater would be the savior of Afrobeat music? 100-plus afrobeat bands have been pounding away in relative obscurity for the last 15 years or so, delighting only the privileged few with the secret knowledge of Baba Kuti’s unique groove. Then along comes the powerful Broadway play, “Fela!” attracting an impressive pop following & critical acclaim, educating

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-59368831516071910712010-02-09T11:44:00.004-05:002010-02-09T11:56:22.504-05:00

The Afrobeat Renaissance continues to flourish in the US.A new 13 piece afrobeat band based out of Brooklyn called Zongo Junction is hosting a monthly party called "Afro Funky" dedicated to afrobeat, funk and soul. The parties started in July at Public Assembly but are moving to a new venue. The nights are expected to grow as time goes on. The next show is in Williamsburg (at the Cameo

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-66802512161177079462010-01-06T18:25:00.004-05:002010-01-06T18:32:18.747-05:00

This should be a fabulous show in one of the best clubs in the country for Afrobeat!Akoya Afrobeat with The Revelations (featuring Tre Williams)Southpaw125 5th Avenue (between Sterling & St. John's)Brooklyn, NY 11238Door 9 PM, Show 9:30$10Advance tickets

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-71047203145720043322010-01-06T18:22:00.002-05:002010-01-06T18:25:42.618-05:00

Great show in Washington, DC this Saturday, January 9th: Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band with DJ Jahsonic!The Rock & Roll Hotel1353 H St NEWashington, DC(202) 388-ROCK$15—doors open at 8:30PMAll agesAdvance tickets

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-57195366110814703702009-12-04T13:31:00.020-05:002009-12-22T11:46:09.142-05:00

By Robert FoxWorld Circuit Records has announced the release of a posthumous recording by guitar legend Ali Farka Toure, teaming up with kora master Toumani Diabate. Titled "Ali and Toumani," it's due out in February 2010. The CD will be a follow up to their first collaboration, the 2005 Grammy Award-winning "In the Heart of the Moon." Issued just before Farka Toure's passing in 2006, it was

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-67903222055453382242009-12-03T17:16:00.009-05:002009-12-03T17:56:02.234-05:00

By Marc BrunerHere's some of my favorite world music releases for the year: Orchestra Poly Rythmo de Contonou, Analog Africa No. 6, Echos Hypnotiques. More great vintage stuff from the people at Analog Africa. This is fantastic funky music. Legends of Benin, Analog Africa No. 5.Yet more awesome funky vintage shit. Let's hope they keep digging this stuff up for us. Daby Balde, Le Marigot Club

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-68385890918818403272009-11-25T18:21:00.011-05:002009-11-26T16:04:18.202-05:00

By Robert FoxOn television once, I saw some amazing interviews where people describe seeing Louis Armstrong's band in the 1920s. Early in Armstrong's career, the band traveled by paddle boat up the Mississippi River from New Orleans, stopping in every town along the way to play in the boat's ballroom.In the interviews, various witnesses recall the overwhelming power, volume and rhythmic

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-19218748870355180252009-11-24T20:13:00.008-05:002009-11-24T20:26:24.468-05:00

This is going to be a fantastic show!On Saturday, November 28th, Chopteeth returns to the Black Cat in Washington, DC for a dynamic evening of African dance music. You can count on Chopteeth for explosive 1970s West African big band classics as well as critically-acclaimed original music inspired by afrobeat, highlife and African rhumba. Big horns, raging guitars and driving rhythms—there’s

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-26359962785089326852009-11-23T10:48:00.008-05:002009-11-23T11:29:40.394-05:00

By Robert FoxU-Roy has been a major presence in my sonic landscape over the last few months. The godfather of toasting and hip-hop pioneer, he created some of the most memorable tracks in the history of reggae. Collaborating with an incredible list of musicians over the years, U-Roy virtually invented a whole new genre of music. It's still as fresh today as ever. Once these songs get into

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-27939178681449089432009-11-22T13:02:00.022-05:002009-11-27T00:27:49.354-05:00

By Robert Fox Great review of Bill T. Jones's Broadway musical "Fela!" in today's New York Times. I know that's an unexpected combination of words in a single sentence. However the critically-acclaimed show features serious music performed and arranged by key members of Brooklyn's Antibalas, and it provides a new platform to expand Fela's message and tell his story. This week the show moved to

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-9080742441667597072009-11-21T19:46:00.014-05:002009-11-22T12:14:00.487-05:00

By Robert FoxI've spent much of the last few months listening to Vieux Farka Toure's 2009 album Fondo nearly every day. It's one of my favorite recordings in years, featuring an innovative mix of traditional Malian rhythms, an up-to-date sound, great supporting musicians, and (of course) blistering, very special guitar playing. I really like this recording.Vieux makes waves now wherever he goes

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-1113840887154324662009-11-20T13:23:00.025-05:002009-11-21T16:17:14.857-05:00

By Robert FoxAfter a brief hiatus, the Afrofunk Forum is back! We're looking forward to sharing some new features, including streaming music files from Grooveshark as well as other goodies, so please stay tuned.Since our last post in March, this site has had visitors from 146 different countries around the world. That's a pretty amazing testament to how the internet is breaking down borders and

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-29084878783100040102009-03-28T11:30:00.026-05:002009-03-28T18:50:09.857-05:00

By Marc BrunerBurning Spear's latest release, Jah is Real, shows that the man hasn't lost any of his enormous talent.  It's his first album on his own label, Burning Spear Music, and a testament to what has made him one of the leading figures in reggae music for nearly four decades.  Producing on his own label is a watershed moment, since the business of reggae has not been kind to the musicians,

Marc, Eden, Jeremy and Talia Brunerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274295043306548803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-3018973120370451732009-03-24T21:31:00.054-05:002011-04-11T15:58:31.598-05:00

By David McDavitt TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. AUTHORITY STEALING 2. BEASTS OF NO NATION 3. BLACK MAN'S CRY 4. COFFIN FOR HEAD OF STATE 5. COLOMENTALITY 6. CONFUSION BREAK BONE 7. EXPENSIVE SHIT 8. FEAR NOT FOR MAN 9. FOGO FOGO 10. GO SLOW 11. J’EHIN J’EHIN 12. INTERNATIONAL THIEF THIEF 13. KALAKUTA SHOW 14. LADY 15. MONDAY MORNING IN LAGOS 16. MONKEY BANANA 17. MR. FOLLOW FOLLOW 18. MR.

David McDavitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11082429044304473661noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-79995043639132283302009-02-03T20:46:00.013-05:002009-02-04T10:02:59.199-05:00

By David McDavittMusic’s universal language is often most interesting with an accent. Thus lies the brilliance of Putumayo’s latest release: “African Reggae.” This collection is in part an homage to Bob Marley, marking the anniversary of his 64th birthday (Feb. 6th). This is fitting given the boomeranging influence of the music of the African Diaspora.Just as the Congo powers the world’s cell

David McDavitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11082429044304473661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-68535132492553785042009-01-24T15:27:00.023-05:002009-01-29T20:44:41.808-05:00

By Marc BrunerMamadou Diabate is a virtuoso kora player from Mali and his 2008 release "Douga Mansa" is a beautiful work of art. This extremely satisfying solo album preserves the venerable traditions of Mandinka culture while also infusing those traditions with new energy and creativity, creating a sound that is profound and original. But most importantly, the songs are a delight to listen to,

Marc, Eden, Jeremy and Talia Brunerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274295043306548803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-39505291749903005002009-01-24T11:56:00.024-05:002009-11-21T19:44:04.720-05:00

By Marc BrunerIf you like Tinariwen (which is one of my very favorite bands these days), you'll definitely dig Akh Issudar, the stunning 2008 album from a band called Terakaft on the World Village label. "Terakaft" means "Caravan" in Tamashek (the language spoken by the Tuareg people of the Sahara desert) and "Akh Issudar" is the second part of a Tamashek proverb, "Water Is Life, Milk Is

Marc, Eden, Jeremy and Talia Brunerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274295043306548803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-12513511246246588462009-01-21T00:22:00.005-05:002009-11-20T15:21:50.503-05:00

Then:Now:

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-57335927242528593302009-01-06T15:18:00.024-05:002009-01-07T00:02:32.781-05:00

By Robert Fox:One of my favorite bands anywhere is coming to the Black Cat in Washington, DC on Friday, January 9th: the epic Grupo Fantasma. Longtime readers of The Afrofunk Forum know that we're big fans of Grupo Fantasma's devastating cumbia and salsa. Their live shows split atoms and crumble boulders with head-spinning latin funk.The band is touring in support of their outstanding new album,

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-57149900145521927042009-01-02T14:21:00.010-05:002009-01-06T15:18:18.520-05:00

January 6th Notice : Just informed that this show has been postponed! Please check back for the revised date!By Robert FoxFemi Kuti has a new CD out, Day By Day, and it's his strongest effort to date. I really like this recording, which features more confident songwriting than ever before, and a very controlled groove to the music. Some of Femi's earlier recordings had an almost frantic energy.

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-48941159127878495052008-09-19T13:51:00.008-05:002008-09-19T14:13:59.834-05:00

Washington, DC-based afrofunk group Chopteeth is releasing its debut CD on Saturday, September 20 at a special CD release show at DC club The Black Cat. If you're in the region, come to the party and be the first to own the new recording, which highlights original Chopteeth music on 9 tracks!The Washington Post highlights Chopteeth’s new CD and the Saturday show with a recommendation from Post

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-46641680501009400572008-08-26T10:40:00.019-05:002009-09-25T14:56:49.253-05:00

By David McDavittFela on Broadway? Sounds like a disaster, right? I entered the theater fearing the worst, “Fela, Get Your Gun,” or “West Side Story, Lagos.” Fortunately what unfolded instead was a gritty, hyper-realistic biography of Fela Kuti told in an interview style, bejeweled with Fela’s own afrobeat music! Let’s break this masterpiece down!Written by Jim Lewis & Bill T. Jones, the story

David McDavitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11082429044304473661noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-87910120445867787912008-08-22T12:32:00.009-05:002008-08-22T12:58:15.672-05:00

By Robert FoxThere's a cool new band currently making waves in the Washington, DC area: King Soul. They've assembled an All-Star lineup of funk, soul and New Orleans-style pros, and these guys can really bring it, resurrecting the old-school Stax sounds with a groovy modern twist. I saw King Soul recently in Hyattsville, MD, and had a great time with their tight rhythms, powerful horns and clever

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-12545331192888795162008-08-01T16:09:00.002-05:002008-08-01T16:20:53.430-05:00

By Kenny EatonSearching for ‘authenticity’ in music and art creates an uproar of debate amongst those involved. As an American, how can I ever truly experience ‘authentic’ foreign culture, especially music? Experiencing Moroccan music as an American is undeniably different from experiencing it as a native Moroccan, right? For those involved in the quest for 'authenticity', questions like these

Kenny Eatonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-23023508984866338932008-07-25T13:15:00.008-05:002008-07-25T14:00:52.986-05:00

By Kenny Eaton This installment of the Afrofunk Forum holds a special treat. I got the chance to conduct an interview with Justin Adams and discuss his new album, the state of world music and what it means to be a culturally eclectic musician. Justin Adams’ career has been extremely successful- playing alongside former Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant and many of the finest musicians in Africa

Kenny Eatonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-87801830963723801822008-07-14T15:13:00.004-05:002008-07-14T15:22:40.915-05:00

By Kenny EatonAllow me to introduce Zuluwannsago- an afrofunk band based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The 10-member group’s funky grooves and African infusions are infecting audiences and rousing dance floors. Zuluwannsago’s diverse collection of musicians shows through in their music- lots of flavors, tons of power. Bandleader Yusuf Nuweku originally comes from Ghana. From childhood on he

Kenny Eatonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-52503615368892341252008-07-01T15:08:00.007-05:002008-07-03T16:14:41.652-05:00

By Kenny EatonThe Gnawa people hold a unique place in the realm of Africa. Their music possesses medical, spiritual, and transcendent value in their native country of Morroco and has begun to spread to the West. Groups like Gnawa Diffusion have taken this enthralling culture to the masses, inspiring trance and musical possession in previously austere audiences in Europe and North America.I

Kenny Eatonnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-84139071309278383922008-06-28T15:43:00.012-05:002008-07-03T16:21:09.445-05:00

By Kenny EatonSeun Kuti and Egypt 80 will be playing at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. on Monday July 7th at 7:00PM. Seun is of course the son of of the late, great Fela Kuti, who started the genre of Afrobeat-- mixing West African funk and American jazz into an unmistakable collage of dance, melody, and culture. Seun Kuti,follows in the trailblazing aspirations of his father--developing

Kenny Eatonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-42873924167123432592008-06-18T09:34:00.006-05:002008-06-18T09:48:00.258-05:00

By Kenny EatonThe Latin funk powerhouse Grupo Fantasma just dropped their new album, Sonidos Gold, yesterday. Riding on a wave of high-profile support from the likes of Prince and pounding out a massive list of tour dates, it seems Grupo Fantasma is on a mission to take over the world.The collective combines cumbia, salsa, mambo and any other Latin style they deem fit to create an eclectic,

Kenny Eatonnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-87761156188104603592008-06-16T19:57:00.005-05:002008-06-16T20:09:52.759-05:00

By Kenny EatonRising from the ashes of post-hardcore innovators At the Drive-In, The Mars Volta have set the music industry ablaze with their virtuosic and distinct sound. Bandleaders Omar A. Rodriguez-Lopez and Cedric Bixler-Zavala have created a smorgasbord of Latin jazz, psychedelic rock, and electronica throughout the band’s first five years of existence and multiple full-length studio albums

Kenny Eatonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-406929399528548512008-06-14T16:45:00.005-05:002008-06-14T16:54:29.925-05:00

By Robert FoxWow--check out this casually brilliant performance by Judy Mowatt, back in the day. One of Jamaica's greatest vocalists as well as a critical element in Bob Marley's vocal backing group the I-Threes, she is known for her perfect voice and huge stage presence. This is one of my favorite tunes of hers, and the video setting is illustrative of the community and working class roots of

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-54449678509832139272008-06-10T10:44:00.010-05:002008-06-14T16:58:54.067-05:00

By Kenny Eaton The Brooklyn-based group Antibalas kicked off a swarming new brand of afrobeat and experimental funk with their 2007 album Security. The dozen-strong members of Antibalas (which is spanish for 'bulletproof') have teamed up with the prolific indie-producer John McEntire (Tortoise, Stereolab, Tom Ze) to capture the new direction of the group’s music. Anti- Records describes the

Kenny Eatonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-90387660440962235892008-06-08T11:12:00.004-05:002008-06-08T11:28:02.532-05:00

By Robert FoxReuters published a rare interview with Afrobeat icon Tony Allen last week. Fela's original music director and musical dynamo is still going strong. In a conversation with Tom Pfeiffer of Reuters, Tony comes out swinging, telling young musicians not to "run away from their roots," and denouncing the Nigerian government for "every time putting the wrong person in place." Check it out:

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-2693248713670729662008-06-04T10:23:00.002-05:002008-06-04T10:36:37.245-05:00

By Kenny EatonI recently checked out the album “The Syliphone Years” by the Guinean-based group, Balla Et Ses Balladin. This expansive collection of two CD’s documents one of Guinea’s most influential groups at a time when the country was at the center of African music. The 2 CD’s were compiled by a team of collectors around the world and includes some of the group’s rarest recordings along with

Kenny Eatonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-80696509768881451702008-06-03T15:54:00.012-05:002008-06-03T18:17:39.524-05:00

By Robert FoxThe New York Times had an interesting piece this week about Sony BMG Music realizing that they were sitting on a treasure trove of old musician photographs from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Shot by photographers working for the label, the archive apparently includes never seen images of Miles Davis, Count Basie, Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen and many others, including a young Cassius

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-47333243517666375552008-05-30T12:50:00.005-05:002008-06-03T18:18:24.473-05:00

By Kenny EatonBlending the traditional and the modern is typically a challenge for anybody involved in creative expression. The Algerian-based musical group, Gnawa Diffusion, manages to achieve this combination of old and new by drawing on their Gnawan heritage for musical inspiration while infusing reggae and roots music to create their unique and eclectic sound.The Gnawan culture of the North

Kenny Eatonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-40729044191584889842008-05-23T22:43:00.020-05:002008-05-23T23:40:50.148-05:00

By Kenneth Eaton Fela Kuti is praised the world over as the father of Afrobeat. His virtuosic approach to songwriting and legendary stage presence still provide inspiration to countless musicians and bandleaders. Fela’s two sons, Femi and Seun, are continuing in their father’s footsteps and blazing new trails in Afrobeat. Last month, Seun launched a world tour and released his first CD--you're

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-1359122373325921702008-04-03T14:05:00.010-05:002008-04-03T14:15:47.954-05:00

By Kenny EatonIf you’re a reader of the Afrofunk Forum blog, then you may have an appetite for listening to quality African and Africa-related music. So you'll definitely want to check out Voice of America's monumental archive of African music, which they now share with the global community over the radio and internet.The Voice of America African music archive contains thousands upon thousands of

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-3006555311826857022008-04-03T13:34:00.003-05:002008-04-03T13:58:41.867-05:00

Kenny Eaton is the bass player and sound manipulator for Mahalo and Goodnight. Kenny is an undergraduate student at Johns Hopkins University and a composition student at Peabody Conservatory. He is an avid listener of twentieth century composition, indie, electronica, rock, hip-hop, fusion and whatever else the cosmos can throw at him. Kenny is the owner and operator of Mystery Ton Studios in

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-46510687002203957152008-03-02T18:45:00.012-05:002008-03-02T19:12:56.470-05:00

By Robert Fox Very possibly.Check this out: James Brown live in Paris, 1971, "Ain't It Funky Now." Featuring Phelps "Catfish" Collins on lead guitar, Bootsy Collins on bass, Fred Wesley on trombone, Maceo Parker on sax. This was recorded shortly before most of the band left to help form Funkadelic, when JB became just too much to bear.Incredible focus and musical unity. This is the Rosetta Stone

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-2729354554037140192008-02-23T13:31:00.006-05:002008-02-23T13:49:41.261-05:00

By Kenneth EatonThe Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble will be hosting an album release party for their latest work, P.D.P. (President Dey Pass), on February 28th at S.O.B.’s in New York City. The night will undoubtedly test the dance floor as DJ Rich Medina, Cedric "Im" Brooks of The Skatalites, Amayo and other members of Antibalas and the Budos Band share the stage.This will be a special night for the New

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-41356810115559811672008-02-09T18:45:00.000-05:002008-02-09T22:08:28.331-05:00

By David McDavitt Oki Dub Ainu Band & MarewrewIndigenous Ainu/ReggaeAt the Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.February 8, 2007Filtering folkloric, tribal music through popular Western forms is perhaps a natural evolution in an increasingly homogenous world. While such fusions are exciting to many world music fans, and may ensure the survival of otherwise vanishing traditions, there are the dangers

David McDavitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11082429044304473661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-83816282895989448522007-11-17T13:05:00.000-05:002007-11-17T19:07:57.580-05:00

By Marc BrunerMamadou Sidibe played a groundbreaking role in transforming Malian popular music. He was one of the first to break with tradition by adopting the now-widely used kamalen n'goni, a lute-harp-like instrument that exudes a deep, soulful sound. The kamalen n'goni was formed by adding a couple of strings to the traditional hunter's lute, the dozon n'goni, to expand the instrument's

The AfroFunk Music Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17646285576050901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-16097771701699296292007-11-11T11:20:00.001-05:002007-11-18T10:34:45.404-05:00

By Marc BrunerWe did a piece a couple of months ago on Afrobeat in America - well, here's some funky American Afrobeat releases I've been listening to lately.The first is Superkali, a band from Seattle that plays an innovative and inviting mix of afrobeat, funk and jazz. It's a great example of how American bands are taking Fela's legacy in a new and exciting direction.The second is Boston

The AfroFunk Music Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17646285576050901230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-79340681137371545712007-10-30T20:40:00.000-05:002007-10-30T21:51:34.860-05:00

By Marc BrunerTwo of my very favorite African artists - Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi of Zimbabwe and Habib Koite of Mali - have released new albums.Tuku's new disc, Tsimba Itsoka (which means "No Foot, No Footprint"), is a beautiful collection of songs, but it also conveys an important message: As one reviewer explains, Tuku's "gentle and positive music" calls on listeners "to consider the impact of

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-65016864282454422222007-10-26T22:43:00.000-05:002007-10-29T19:39:49.420-05:00

By Marc BrunerThis awesome two-disc compilation of early Guinean classics is filled with exceptional creativity, great guitar jams, and endless good vibes."Authenticité" refers to Guinea's state-sponsored program to establish national and regional orchestras to promote authentic Guinean culture in the wake of the country's newfound independence from colonial rule. As RFI Musique explains:"

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-57993410745425719762007-10-20T21:17:00.001-05:002007-10-21T10:26:58.836-05:00

By Marc Bruner This is a very sad day for world music. Lucky Dube, an icon of both the South African and reggae music scene, was tragically killed on October 18 in an attempted car-jacking outside Johannesburg.He achieved tremendous critical and commercial success over his long and prolific career -- and deservedly so. His music is filled with gorgeous melodies, but it also conveys important

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-62673832364831890512007-10-17T20:07:00.000-05:002007-10-17T20:36:27.944-05:00

Chopteeth hosts FUNK FOR PEACE eventThe Rock And Roll HotelWashington, DCFriday, October 19thShow supports Iraq Veterans Against the WarWith special guests Head-Roc and DJ NitekrawlerChopteeth Afrofunk Big Band hosts “Funk For Peace” on Friday, October 19th at The Rock And Roll Hotel. Two dollars of every ticket sold will go to the DC Chapter of Iraq Veterans Against the War. Veterans will be at

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-24109690831801492292007-10-16T22:43:00.000-05:002007-10-17T21:02:16.606-05:00

By Robert FoxMusic fans and collectors these days are enjoying an unprecendented heyday of music from around the world.The causes are many: the growth, stability and increasing sophistication of online music sources such as Calabash Music, Rhapsody, iTunes, etc.; the collapse of the traditional business model of record production in the US and other industrialized countries; the widespread

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-3630806962471436602007-10-15T20:26:00.000-05:002007-10-17T21:12:42.887-05:00

By Robert FoxToday is Fela's birthday, and he would have been 69 years old. What would he be singing about now?No doubt he would include many of the same themes that he addressed during his lifetime: the ongoing exploitation of Africa in general and Nigeria in particular by the wealthy and powerful, from London to Lagos, Washington to Kinshasha; the sorrowful indifference of the governments in

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-28539798086172600792007-10-14T13:06:00.000-05:002007-10-31T23:05:56.881-05:00

By Marc BrunerIn May 2006, we did a piece on Kokanko Sata, who broke new ground by playing the n'goni, an instrument traditionally reserved for men. Well here's another important breakthrough in Malian music - Bimogow, recorded a couple of years back by Madina N'diaye. She's a wildly talented musician and singer, who has further challenged the past, and created a new future, by mastering the kora

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-87300928881580097632007-10-13T12:44:00.000-05:002007-10-31T13:42:31.102-05:00

By Marc BrunerHere's a classic from the tiny west African nation of Guinea-Bissau. Super Mama Djombo was formed in the 1960s at a boy scout camp and became a national favorite after Guinea-Bissau gained independence from Portugal in 1974. This electrifying set of music was recorded in a single recording session in Lisbon in 1980.The music is filled with beauty and intense passion, making this

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-17117406823750074562007-10-02T10:35:00.000-05:002007-10-02T11:28:48.632-05:00

By Robert FoxThe dynamic Brooklyn Afrobeat squad Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble are about to bust out with a new CD! Titled “PDP (President Dey Pass),” it’s sure to plow new ground, given the massively funky groove the band has been laying down in their celebrated live shows.Akoya features an all-star lineup of musicians, and is led by Kaleta, who spent 10 years as a singer and conga player with Fela’s

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-71509022033530995882007-09-25T14:45:00.000-05:002007-09-25T15:15:33.301-05:00

By Robert FoxThe Sunday Washington Post ran a nice article about Afrobeat this week, featuring Antibalas and Chopteeth (photo right, by Veronika Lukasova). The article is by the Post music critic Stephen Brookes, and it’s one of the few pieces out there that takes an overview of the US Afrobeat movement and tries to make some sense out of it.Here are some excepts---the article starts out with a

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-5873449882656367332007-09-22T20:21:00.000-05:002007-09-22T20:56:02.581-05:00

By Robert FoxOtrabanda Records recently released a superb new compilation of classic 70s-era Ghanaian tracks, titled “Bokoor Beats: Vintage Afrobeat, Afro-Rock and Highlife from Ghana.” I’m really enjoying this disc, and it includes some moments of brilliance from early in the development of afrobeat, tracks which were previously hard to find anywhere.Like many of the most innovative and dynamic

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-70822292979859205922007-09-21T21:49:00.000-05:002007-09-21T22:00:40.895-05:00

By Marc BrunerCheck out the "Retroafric" label, which has been dishing out some delicious old-school African music.There's fantastic Congolese Rumba from Franco, Ryco Jazz and others; seminal early Ghanian highlife from ET Mensah; gorgeous guitar melodies from Mose Se Fan Fan, and the cool funk of Captain Yaba.Retroafric explains: "As time passes faster with the spinning of each new disc, the

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-76728119033774515902007-09-01T17:44:00.000-05:002007-09-01T17:58:35.961-05:00

By Robert FoxUganda’s Doreen Mutibwa has a new CD out. It’s her third recording, and she takes time to give some instructions to the men-folk half of the planet: how about let’s respect the women in your lives?The Godfather of Afrobeat Fela Kuti wasn’t exactly known for his progressive views on gender issues, despite his mother’s history as one of Nigeria’s leading feminists. Nonetheless, the

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-22996597658882264482007-08-18T13:49:00.000-05:002007-08-18T14:04:49.770-05:00

By Marc BrunerThere’s a great new record label for all you African music fans out there. It’s called KSK and it’s devoted to the promotion and preservation of traditional West African music. There are only eight CDs so far, but, as they say, quality is more important than quantity.The music is uniformly superb. The highlights include an awesome acoustic CD from Malian blues great Lobi Taore;

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-27398541122101075862007-07-22T18:14:00.000-05:002007-10-17T22:22:44.642-05:00

By Robert Fox Dig out your disco shoes, your hammer-and-sickle, and put on your funk face--you may need them all once you get a load of “Si, Para Usted: The Funky Sounds of Revolutionary Cuba, Vol. 1.”The recording is a 2007 release organized by Canadian DJ Dan Zacks, who hosts the celebrated Waxing Deep radio show from Fredericton, New Brunswick. Waxing Deep specializes in resurrecting

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-73255821468634629762007-07-20T06:26:00.000-05:002007-10-27T01:23:45.601-05:00

By Marc BrunerIt just doesn't get any better than this - sitting in the open air under the beautiful California sky watching a fantastic double-bill of African music, with Vieux Farka Toure opening for Toumani Diabate. What an exciting and memorable show!Vieux, the immensely talented son of the late Malian musical giant Ali Farka Toure, put on a mesmerizing performance of electric guitar-based

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-20720330012135408642007-07-17T19:00:00.001-05:002007-10-27T10:16:50.182-05:00

By Marc BrunerA while back we did a post on "Cult Cargo: Belize City Boil Up," an outstanding album of rare 70s-era funk, soul and reggae from Belize, a small country with remarkably diverse musical and cultural roots. Be sure to check out the second installment of Pan-American vibes from the excellent Numero Group label, "Cult Cargo: Grand Bahama Goombay," an equally satisfying set of funky '70s

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-63129348109447933442007-07-08T12:23:00.000-05:002007-07-08T12:57:44.283-05:00

By Marc BrunerTinariwen has certainly been in the news lately.In February 2007, they released their fantastic third allbum, Aman Iman (meaning "water is life"). Many have been aware for some time of Tinariwen's enchanting "desert blues" sound, but as All Music Guide points out, "they're a remarkable rock & roll band, too." Indeed, their interlocking guitars "create a glorious syncopated noise

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-49866108312855202692007-07-01T18:50:00.000-05:002007-07-01T19:22:20.157-05:00

By Marc BrunerToubab Krewe's debut album, an invigorating and innovative mix of West African and down-home American music, certainly took me by surprise. Their live performance Saturday night in San Francisco was even more of an eye (and ear) opener. At times hard-driving and frenetic, at times silky and ethereal, the band is incredibly tight, extremely talented and loads of fun.Members of the

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-45019963360120603322007-06-24T19:55:00.000-05:002007-07-01T22:12:55.722-05:00

By Marc BrunerDon't miss Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars, who are currently touring after the 2006 release of their inspiring first CD "Living Like a Refugee." I recently saw them in San Francisco, and the show was positively electric. Aphrodesia, a 10+ piece Bay Area band, opened with a great set of funky music, blending Afrobeat, highlife and funk with a colorful and delightfully irreverent

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-44854496503531337172007-06-20T21:49:00.000-05:002007-06-20T22:15:45.913-05:00

By Robert FoxCheck it out: the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival is featuring Dan Ollman's new documentary on Fela Kuti, entitled "Suffering and Smiling." The documentary will be shown four times this week at the Walter Reade Theatre and is presented in association with the always inspiring Film Aid International. Here's more from Human Rights Watch:Focusing on the legendary African

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-29153319586222773862007-06-20T16:55:00.000-05:002007-06-21T15:14:29.516-05:00

By David McDavittThe Kennedy Center is hip. Its weekly “Millennium Stage” series brings diverse, quality music to the people free of charge. On Tuesday, June 19, 2007, the Millennium Stage featured a marathon reggae concert on the order of the beloved Jamaican “Sting,” “Rebel Salute,” and “Sunsplash” events. The Kennedy Center, in conjunction with the political “Conference on the Caribbean,”

David McDavitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11082429044304473661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-56082074686860271362007-03-23T13:49:00.000-05:002007-07-08T13:24:06.977-05:00

By Robert FoxSenegal’s Orchestra Baobab is riding an ever-growing wave of recognition, following their re-forming of the band several years ago. Recent months have witnessed the publication of a number of new compilations of previously hard-to-find material from their epic 1970s run of super-herodom. I’ve been enjoying listening to the newly available recordings on the Rhapsody music subscription

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-1172634055068899382007-02-27T20:57:00.000-05:002007-02-28T16:58:46.425-05:00

by David Font-NavarreteThe new album from Smithsonian Folkways Records, "Por Por: Honk Horn Music of Ghana" is an entirely different take on the evolution of traditional music and technology. The technology in question is not synthesizers or samplers, it's truck horns and tire rims. These are funky, strange sounds from Ghana, and it's a safe bet you've never heard anything like this before:

David Font-Navarretehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01667820734089576719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-1170726125650627052007-02-05T20:29:00.000-05:002007-02-05T21:26:52.140-05:00

by David Font-NavarreteFrom factmagazine.co.uk: "Angola’s Kuduro music is spearheading a new ghetto-born movement set to rip-up dancefloors across the world ... This is the raw, uncompromising sound of the streets of Luanda, Angola. Meaning ‘hard ass’ or ‘stiff bottom’, it combines traditional Angolan Kilapanga, Semba and Zouk with Western house and techno."You've got to hear this. That's it.

David Font-Navarretehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01667820734089576719noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-1170117437325883572007-01-29T19:28:00.000-05:002007-01-29T19:45:33.956-05:00

by David Font-NavarreteA very special shout to everybody that came out to make the AfroFunk Forum event on January 18, 2007. The proceeds were donated to the Save Darfur Coalition, a truly worthy cause. We packed DC9 and had a tremendous dance party with Elikeh, DJ Thick, and Chopteeth. We also raised and donated a substantial amount of cash to help the people of Darfur. Thank you to everyone

David Font-Navarretehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01667820734089576719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-1167067315926607522006-12-25T12:14:00.000-05:002006-12-25T12:24:09.240-05:00

By Robert FoxSad news on Christmas morning: James Brown is dead. It's hard to put into words the impact JB had on 20th Century music. He nearly singlehandedly invented not one but two major musical forms, Soul and Funk, and charted the course for countless artists despite his many quirks and periods of erratic behavior. While it's been some time since The Godfather of Soul was at peak form, his

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-1166634788254819392006-12-20T12:01:00.000-05:002006-12-20T13:19:16.140-05:00

By Jane WelnaLooking for some stylish threads to wear while you're listening to Afrobeat? Or a holiday gift you can order on-line direct from Ghana? Check out the handmade batik products at the fair trade label Global Mamas.Global Mamas is a cooperative of 26 small independent women-owned businesses in Ghana. With employees and apprentices, Global Mamas directly benefits over 150 people through

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-1164744365726292122006-11-28T15:01:00.000-05:002006-12-10T21:30:33.600-05:00

By Robert FoxThe Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is hosting an historic live tribute to Fela Kuti on Friday, December 1st and Saturday, December 2nd. Scheduled to commemorate World AIDS Day on Dec 1st, the two shows will re-unite many of the musicians who participated in the groundbreaking Red, Hot and Riot musical benefit project in 2002.Some of the top musicians in the world will be traveling

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-1164741666603964592006-11-28T14:16:00.000-05:002006-12-08T13:44:35.246-05:00

By Robert FoxBrooklyn’s neo-Afrobeat pioneers Antibalas announced a recording deal last week with the acclaimed independent Anti Records. Anti’s roster includes some of the most innovative and influential artists currently recording, including The Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars, Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Coup, Tom Waits, Merle Haggard, Solomon Burke, Blackalicious and many others.The Anti

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-1164167435582913402006-11-21T22:46:00.001-05:002008-10-18T14:08:37.948-05:00

By Robert FoxOne of my all-time favorite recordings was released this summer: a classic re-issue of early-70s tunes from The Hallelujah Chicken Run Band, presented in a CD titled "Take One."These tracks represent the recording debut of Zimbabwe’s musical and revolutionary hero Thomas Mapfumo, and they are a revelation that have lost none of their rhythmic freshness and unique groove over the

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-1163534422285058402006-11-14T14:53:00.000-05:002006-11-14T15:05:49.443-05:00

By Robert FoxThe Gangbe Brass Band has begun to achieve some well-deserved recognition for their amazing and unique sound, which combines the traditional drumming and rhythms of their native Benin with modern jazz and marching band arrangements. Listeners will recognize their sounds from New Orleans second line street music, and Gangbe Brass Band captures a similar carnival flavor with its

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-1163479007159684632006-11-13T23:21:00.000-05:002006-11-14T17:14:25.206-05:00

By Robert FoxThe Afrofunk Music Forum blog has inspired the launch of a recurring dance party in Washington, DC. The first event will be Wednesday, November 22nd at the club DC9.The AfroFunk Forum will be a non-stop evening of African-influenced dance music, hosted by residents Chopteeth and DJ Thick. It will offer alternating live big band Afrobeat and the hypnotic grooves of global electronic

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-1163391794654682432006-11-12T23:20:00.000-05:002006-11-13T18:25:51.286-05:00

By Robert FoxOh Wow!--check out this priceless clip of The Ohio Players doing "Fire" for live television in Germany, circa 1974. Are these guys supermen or what? Unbelievable musicianship and style, hailing from Dayton, Ohio, USA. The German studio TV crowd doesn't seem to know what to think! Note that the fire engine light effect stops after the intro--just keep watching for an unparalleled

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-1163043732758257702006-11-08T22:23:00.000-05:002006-11-08T22:56:48.573-05:00

By Robert FoxMatt at the always informative blog Benn Loxo Du Taccu has unearthed some lost classics of African funk: Kenyan funk super-group Matata, who reigned in the early 1970s with afrobeat-inspired, pounding grooves. Matt reports that Matata were awarded "BBC’s Best Band in Africa in 1971 but unfortunately they faded away by the mid-70s," and asks "can someone fill us in?" They appear on

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-1162876407156632412006-11-07T00:09:00.000-05:002006-11-07T10:33:19.770-05:00

By Robert FoxWell, it’s finally Election Day here in the United States. Today many of us are hoping to strike a blow against idiocy, corruption, incompetence and illegal brutality by voting out of office the clowns in Washington who have enabled George Bush’s Reign of Error for the last six years.The Afrofunk Forum has attracted readers in 53 different countries since we started the site---to

Chopteethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02034294205883631157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22063125.post-1162852426062756912006-11-06T17:16:00.000-05:002006-11-06T22:04:35.343-05:00

By Robert FoxGet your funk face on, quick!--Rhino records has blessed Funkateers the world over with a newly released, epic boxed CD set entitled “What It Is! Funky Soul And Rare Grooves (1967-1977).” Rhino combed through a generation’s worth of dusty tapes and LPs from labels including Warner Bros., Atlantic, Reprise, Atco, and smaller outfits like Cotillion, Curtom, Alston, and Jonie.And guess

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By Robert FoxGuinean kora wizard Ba Cissoko just released a new recording, his second, titled “Electric Griot Land.” This time he takes the acoustic kora and amps it even further in the direction of electric blues, funk and entirely unique jams of his own making. Known as the “Jimi Hendrix of kora,” Ba Cissoko is said to play the kora behind his head in concert in tribute to Hendrix, and the

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By Robert FoxInspired by a return visit to New York’s Carnegie Hall by South Africa’s Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nathan Salzburg of The New York Sun newspaper recently wrote a critical appraisal of the development of the “world music” market in the United States. The article, titled “What Ladysmith Wrought,” laments the continuing need for African and Latin artists to team up with American pop

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By Robert FoxThe Washington Post has an interesting and well-written article this week by Emily Wax, titled “Shunning Griot Customs, Senegalese Youth Give Storytelling a New Spin---Hip-Hop's Inroads Reflected in Focus On Current Events.” The article profiles a new generation of griot musicians in Dakar, Senegal. These new artists blend traditional storytelling with Western rap, jazz, modern

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By Robert FoxLekan Animashaun, aka Baba Ani, baritone sax player and leader of Fela Kuti’s legendary Egypt 80 band, gave a revealing interview last week to Lagos’s The Daily Vanguard newspaper. Baba Ani was one of the original members of Fela’s musical universe, joining him to help form Koola Lobitos in 1965. He remained as a key force in the innovative horn section that powered Fela throughout

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By Robert FoxAfrobeat icon Tony Allen has helped start a new “supergroup” that includes Paul Simonon, bassist for The Clash, along with guitarist Simon Tong of The Verve. Founded by Damon Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz, the band played their first live show last weekend in a small pub in Devon, England.The group claims to be nameless at the moment but plans to release a CD by the end of the year.

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By Robert FoxHow was reggae born? Check out this video clip of Lee Perry's Black Ark Studios while the master records The Heptones for an illustration of how it's done (early 1970s?).

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By Robert Fox A few weeks ago, I had the chance to see a performance by one of my favorite active bands anywhere in the world: the eleven-piece Grupo Fantasma, straight out of Austin, Texas, USA.Although their sound is often classified as cumbia, in fact they bring it hard from several different directions including funk, classic salsa, hip-hop, mambo and merengue. They feature a four-piece horn

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By Robert FoxOn September 23rd, Fela fans in Lagos had the chance to participate in the annual Felabration, a celebration of the life and meaning on Fela Kuti at The New Afrika Shrine. Held the day after Fela’s birthday, the event drew large crowds to memorialize Fela and witness the relics of his manic vision. In life, Fela was raised to a near-deity status by fans worldwide, a status that has

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By Robert FoxWow!Check out this superb streaming video of the incomparable Afrobeat super-heroes Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, straight out of Brooklyn, NY. It’s a live performance in the studios of KCRW, the music-oriented public radio station based in Santa Monica, California, USA.As you would expect, the band is super-tight and grooves hard to classic Antibalas highlights including “Big Man,”

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