The Black Seeds Return to North America

If you haven't heard of The Black Seeds, it's about time you have. They're one of New Zealand's preeminent musical acts combining a soulful, funky vibe with a reggae sound, and they're about to embark on a North American tour in support of their new album, Dust and Dirt. I had the pleasure of catching them live two summers ago at the Grassroots Festival, while they were touring with John Brown's Body in support of their last album, Solid Ground. If you dig laid back reggae grooves with soulful horn lines, definitely check these guys out when they come your way. Dig their tour dates and the video for their latest single, Pippy Pip, below:

April 05 – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theater
April 06 – San Diego, CA – Winstons
April 07 – Santa Barbara, CA - Soho
April 08 – San Francisco, CA – Slim’s
April 10 – Victoria, BC – Club 9one9
April 11 – Vancouver, BC – Fortune Sound
April 12 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile
April 13 – Denver, CO – Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom
April 14 – Boulder, CO – Fox Theatre
April 15 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
April 17 – Ithaca, NY – Castaways

Afrobeat For Ya Soul Turns 3 + New Afro-Mixtape

Afrobeat for Ya Soul is D.C.'s dopest monthly afro-celebration. Resident beat scientist Underdog the DJ keeps a close watch over the dance party curated by The Lunchbox Theory. The party will have been going strong for 3 years this Thursday night, so to celebrate, Underdog has donated a mix for lovers of booty-shaking music. Dig the mix below, check out the party Thursday night.

Wan Fambul-Benefit Album for Sierra Leone

It's a beautiful thing when music brings people together. It's even more beautiful when that sense of community forms a movement to make a positive difference in the world. Wan Fambul, or One Family, is a benefit album for the people of Sierra Leone afflicted by the civil war that raged there for several years. Artists like Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew, Vieux Farka Toure, and Vusi Mahlasela are all featured on the project spearheaded by Catalyst, a U.S. based non-for-profit dedicated to making the world a more peaceful place. Catalyst released Fambul Tok last year, an award-winning film about the reconciliation process in Sierra Leone. Dig the album here when it drops March 23, 2012. Good music for a good cause--what more could you ask for?

The Return of The Funk Ark

The Funk Ark, D.C.'s finest afro-collective, are set to release their sophomore album, High Noon, April 3, 2012 on ESL Records. If you dug their first album, you're probably as psyched as I am to dig their second funky offering. I had the pleasure of catching them live in BK last year. They're returning to the borough March 12th to rock at Brooklyn Bowl with Turkuaz and Underground Horns. Definitely a show not to be missed. Wet your appetite with a free track until you satiate yourself on the real thing...

Captain Planet Remixes Remixed EP

My musical soul-brother Captain Planet is back at it again with a new EP of remixed remixes courtesy of Bastard Jazz Records. Preview it below and cop one free track from the album at your leisure.

New EP from All Good Funk Alliance

Well, it's about god damn time I posted something, so why not to share the Rhythm and FX EP from The All Good Funk Alliance drops today via Beatport and worldwide March 23, 2012 on Fort Knox Records. If you haven't heard them before, AGFA are some of the funkiest cats around, mixing breakbeats, afrosounds, and all around jams with one purpose in mind, getting asses shaking on dance floors across the globe. Sample the tracks below to get a taste, then cop the EP as soon as humanly possible.

New Track from Analog Players Society

If you love funky soul music as much as I do, you'll love this new track from The Analog Players Society. I recently discovered these days and am totally blown away with their soulful ways. Dig the track here.

Africa in Your Earbuds Vol. 8-DJ Sabine

Dig the latest in the afro-heavy mixtape series from OkayAfrica, Africa in Your Earbuds, courtesy of DJ Sabine.

AFRICA IN YOUR EARBUDS #8: DJ SABINE - 'MZANSI' by okayafrica

Afrika 21 Mixtape Vol. 3

Society HAE has turned a mixtape into an institution. Dig the latest installment, then read more about what they've got going on here.
AFRIKA21 The Mixtape vol. 3 by AFRIKA21

Ocote Soul Sounds Kickstarter

Ocote Soul Sounds is going on tour, and they could use some extra help in paying their bills along the way. Won't you lend a helping hand?

Ocote Soul Sounds - Primavera by afrobeatblog

Felabrations Across the World

As I write this blog post, I'm sitting in front of my computer in Accra, Ghana. I'm privileged to be on the continent on the day the chief priest Fela Anikulapo Kuti was born seventy-three years ago. I'll be writing in detail about my trip for OkayAfrica.com, so look for that in the coming days. Until then, I'd like to give a shout out to a few Felabrations going down all over the world. Today, Femi Kuti is hosting Les Nubians and Blitz The Amabassador at The Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria to celebrate his father's life. In the coming weeks, there are several more parties going down:

Joe's Pub - New York, NY w/ Emefe

All-Asia Bar - Cambridge, MA w/ Uhuru Afrika

Knitting Factory - Brooklyn, NY w/ Zongo Junction

DJ Afro-Marc in BK this weekend

It's about that time. I'm returning to the big apple this weekend to spread the afrobeat message before I take a pilgrimage to Ghana with Blitz The Ambassador next week. I'll be spinning at Southpaw tomorrow night when Emefe, Mokaad, and Ms. Lady hit the stage.

Then on Sunday, I'll be spinning at Disco Recovery, a benefit party for the Jillian Lanier Fund at the Tip Top Bar in Bed-Stuy, BK. Funk will be doled out in extra-large portions at both occasions. I'll be blogging about my trip to Ghana both on The Afrobeat Blog as well as OkayAfrica.com, so stay tuned for what will be unfolding from here on out.

FELA! Afterparty w. The Funk Ark in DC

For all those in D.C. who have yet to see FELA!, what are you waiting for? Tomorrow night is a particularly good night to catch it as the FELA! band will be playing an afterparty with The Funk Ark at The Rock and Roll Hotel. An extremely talented group of musicians will be collaborating throughout the evening so if you're in or around the capital, def check it out.

Elder's Corner Kickstarter

If your a fan of Nigerian music of any era, whether it be Orlando Julius, Osunlade, Sunny Ade, or Fela, you owe it to yourself to support this project. Siji is a Nigerian filmmaker and musician attempting to document the history and music of Nigerian's legendary music scene. He's got some distance to travel to reach his goal, so please help him reach his goal. A small donation can go a long way...

Joni Haastrup/Mono Mono Reissue

Joni Haastrup is one of the most influential forces in 1970's Nigerian music. He was at the forefront of the burgeoning Afro-Rock movement and rode the wave all the way through disco to afrobeat. Soundway and Tummy Touch Records are collaborating to showcase that progression by reissuing three albums: two releases from MonoMono, Give The Beggar a Chance and The Dawn of Awareness, and Haastrup's debut solo album, Wake Up Your Mind.

The World Might Fall Over - MonoMono by Soundway

Joni Haastrup descended from Yoruba royalty in Western Nigeria. While his choice to pursue a career in music was not embraced by his family, he rose to popularity quickly with his flashy stage presence and strong voice. He eventually sang lead vocals on Orlando Julius Ekemode's Super Afro-Soul LP and became known as Nigeria's Soul Brother #1.

I first discovered Haastrup via Nigeria Special as his disco jam Greetings made recurring appearances in my dj sets. These three albums provide an unabridged look at Haastrup's work, showcasing the span of styles he embraced throughout his career. Any of these three albums will provide some interesting listening material, but my favorite is definitely Wake Up Your Mind. I love Nigerian Disco, this is some of the best out there. Dig a free track off of The Dawn of Awareness here.

Fela Soul

Don't you love it when beatmakers mashup afrobeat instrumentals with hip-hop lyrics? I do, which is why I love Fela Soul, Amerigo Gazaway's remix creation combining De la Soul and Fela Anikulapo Kuti. If you love either artist, you're going to especially love this. Dig it here.

Bazzerk

If you haven't heard Kuduro, the crazy sounds coming from Angolan beatmakers, it's about time you have. I don't think I could find a better introduction than Bazzerk - African Digital Dance, a compilation put together by Jess & Crabbe for Mental Groove Records that showcases not only the original Angolan beats but also their descendants in Brazil, Cape Verde, Portugal and elsewhere. Be careful with this one.

Zongo Junction, The Funk Ark, Big Mean Sound Machine, and DJ Afro-Marc @ Southpaw Tonight!

I'll be on the 1's and 2's this evening when three seriously funky afrobeat bands hit the stage at Southpaw in Brooklyn, NY: Zongo Junction, The Funk Ark, and Big Mean Sound Machine. Definitely a night not to be missed. $10 at the door, come prepared to dance...

Dub Invasion 2011

The Dub Invasion is officially about to take over New York! Over the course of the next week, The Sound Liberation Front is curating a series of dub-related concerts, classes, film screenings and lecutres at different locations across the city. If you're into dub, this is the week it all comes together for you. Find a complete list of events below:

Fri Sep 9At Dominion 428 Lafayette St, NYC 21+ 10:00 pm $12 Advance / $16 Door

Adrian Sherwood ft. Brother Culture
Adrian Sherwood ft. Brother Culture- Subatomic Sound System- Channel U
UK-based music producer Adrian Sherwood has been a pioneer in expanding the scope and context of dub music. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of his legendary On-U-Sound label, he will be making a rare US appearance alongside UK rasta MC Brother Culture and NYC’s mighty Subatomic Sound System.

Sat Sep 10At Dubspot 348 West 14th Street 1:00 pm OPEN DOOR

Dubspot Hi Fidelity EDU Session
Photo Expo by Seb Carayol(1-6PM)- Panel Discussion(TBD)- Gear Demo(1-6PM)
Come celebrate Dubspot’s expansion with a showcase featuring the latest in music technology from Ableton, Propellerhead, iZotope, Native Instruments, and more. Join us for revolving presentations, workshops and sound sessions about DJing, music production and the history of dub.

Sat Sep 10At Dubspot 348 West 14th Street 3:00 pm Free with RSVP

Dub Masterclass Pt 2

Clive Chin (3-4PM)
Legendary producer Clive Chin, along with innovative engineer Errol Thompson laid down the foundation of the dub sound and originated some of the genre’s earliest recordings. He will demonstrate how to dub a track using original material. Experience the culture with one of its originators… A festival highlight! Workshop will be streamed live on the Dubspot website. Event is Free but space is limited so make sure you RSVP.

Sat Sep 10At B.B. King's 237 West 42nd St, NYC 21+ 8:00 pm $22 Advance / $25 Door

Lee “Scratch” Perry
Lee “Scratch” Perry- Subatomic Sound System- Jahdan Blakkamoore
Whether you call him a genius or a madman, Lee «Scratch» Perry is without a doubt a towering figure in reggae. The Grammy award winning producer, mixer, and songwriter, was behind the early Bob Marley classics, and along with King Tubby, helped shape the sound of dub music. Collaborators on recent Perry dubstep releases, Subatomic Sound System & Jahdan Blakkamoore, will be supporting.

Get limited super-discount $19 advance tickets at Ticketmaster by entering our festival code “dub”!

Sun Sep 11At Sullivan Hall 214 Sullivan Street, NYC 21+ 9:00 pm $10

Universal Sundays presents Alive Dub
Dub Poet Infinity- Super Hi-Fi- Top Shotta Band feat. Screechy Dan- Prince Polo- Double 05- King of Zulu Entertainment- DJ Sal P
A night of live performances headlined by Dub Poet Infinity alongside Super Hifi, cornerstone of the critically acclaimed Afro Dub Sessions concert series.

Mon Sep 12At Cielo 18 Little W 12th St, NYC 21+ 10:00 pm $12 with RSVP / $15 Door

Francois K & Badawi aka Raz Mesinai
Francois K- Badawi aka Raz Mesinai- Dub Poet Infinity
Consistently acclaimed as one of New York’s Top DJ party, Deep Space is the project of legendary house music producer Francois K. This special festival edition features “sound alchemist” Raz Mesinai aka Badawi.

Tue Sep 13At Dubspot 348 West 14th Street 2:00 pm Free with RSVP

Dub Documentary Screenings
Devon D’s Dub History(2-3PM)- Musically Mad(3-4PM)- Dub Echoes(4-6PM)
Get inspired and learn about the history and culture behind the sound during this day-long music documentary marathon. Event is Free but space is limited so make sure you RSVP.

Wed Sep 14At Kush 191 Chrystie St, NYC 21+ 9:00 pm Free with RSVP

Liondub Presents Pressure “Dub”
Ticklah- Dave Q- Liondub- DJ Lifeline- DJ Deluxe
Pressure Drop is downtown NYC’s freshest Wednesday night reggae affair with resident DJ’s Liondub, Lifeline and Deluxe. This dub edition will feature multi talented producer/instrumentalist Victor “Ticklah” Axelrod and Dave Q of the famed Dub War parties.

Thu Sep 15At Happy Ending 302 Broome St, NYC 21+ 10:00 pm FREE with RSVP

DTR in a Tribute to King Tubby’s
Deadly Dragon Sound System featuring Artists TBD- DJ Linh
NYC’s premier foundation reggae party, Downtown Top Ranking, presents a Tribute to the Father of Dub – King Tubby’s with Deadly Dragon Sound and guests celebrating and expanding upon the music, the mixes and vibes of the man himself in pure vinyl style.

Thu Sep 15At Dominion 428 Lafayette St, NYC 21+ 10:00 pm $10 Advance / $ 12 Door

TOTH International Dub Showcase
Spy from Cairo- Dr Israel- Nickodemus- DJ Lil Tiger
Nickodemus, founder of the legendary Turntable on the Hudson parties, curates this international dub showcase with a set of globe-trotting producers. Expect middle eastern influences, punk rock and ragga jungle sounds to blend seamlessly into a dubwise dancefloor extravaganza!

Fri Sep 16At Dubspot 348 West 14th Street, New York 6:00 pm Free with RSVP

Dub Masterclass Pt 3
Mad Professor (6-7PM)
Legendary second wave UK dub producer and disciple of Lee Perry unveils the secrets that made the Ariwa label one of the leading forces in dub music. Workshop will be streamed live on the Dubspot website. Event is Free but space is limited so make sure you RSVP.

Fri Sep 16At Knitting Factory Brooklyn 361 Metropolitan Ave, BK 18+ 11:45 pm $18 Advance / $20 Door

Mad Professor
Mad Professor- Twilight Circus Dub- Q-Mastah- Majestic Twinsound
Since the early 80s, Mad Professor has been one of the leading figure of dub’s new generation. His legendary Ariwa studio in South London has been the epicenter of dub’s foray into the digital age. Supporting the mad prof will be Twilight Circus Dub as well as NYC’s Q Mastah and Majestic Twinsound

All Together Now Kickstarter

If you've been following my blog, you know I'm a huge fan of a specific family of musicians based in Brooklyn, NY. One of those musicians, Tim Allen of Thought and Hylofi among others, is taking on an amazing project to capture the energy and collective consciousness taking place right now via a documentary film. In order to make his vision a reality, he needs your help. Make a donation via his kickstarter page, and check out the concerts they'll be documenting at Southpaw in December.