Afrobeat For Ya Soul Returns to BK

The Lunchbox Theory is bringing the internationally known Afrobeat For Ya Soul back to Brooklyn August 30th at One Last Shag.  Girl Vs. Machine will be on the decks once again.  Face painting will be offered free of charge.  BBQ will also be served up with drinks in abundance.  All for no cover charge.  What more could you ask for?

Between Two Worlds - New Album from Elikeh

“I always describe Elikeh’s music as like taking Fela Kuti and mixing him with Bob Marley. Put in a pot and stir for three minutes and add some Osibisa and Togolese traditional music to it and let it all boil for two more minutes.  Then you add a sprinkle of rock and you have Elikeh.”  I couldn't have put it better myself.  Massama Dogo described his music as perfectly as only the creator of the unique collage of sounds and rhythms that is Elikeh could.  

The leader of the D.C. based Afro-funk outfit, hailing from Togo West Africa, puts Togo on the map in an afrobeat community dominated by musicians from Nigeria and Ghana.  Take one listen to Between Two Worlds, their new album out tomorrow on Azalea City Records, and you'll hear how Elikeh distinguishes itself from the pack in a very real way.

Afrobeat is a mixture of different styles.  Funk, jazz, Latin and traditional African rhythms, all play into the mix.  Elikeh picks up where Fela left off, adds in a little reggae, and good chunk of rock.  They also incorporate the sounds and language of Massama Dogo's native Toga.  The result is a uniquely original brand of funky African music that makes a political statement while also making people dance. 

If you're in or around the D.C. area, check out Elikeh for yourself at The Black Cat tomorrow night for their album release party.  If you can't make it tomorrow night, definitely cop the album before your next dance party.

Electropicalia

With a genre name like this, how could I not spread the love?  Dig the track from Brazilian beatmaker Malka - Electropicalia.

2012 Olympic Sierra Leonean Anthem

Janka Nabay, the undisputed king of Bubu music from Sierra Leone, has teamed up with Pupa Bajah and Luaka Bop Records to create Nar London, an anthem for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.  While the traditional Olympic theme most likely won't be replaced anytime soon, Nabay's Olympic Anthem brings a unique perspective from an African Nation participating in the games.  The song was created to inspire and support the two athletes representing Salone in London, Ola Sesay and Ibrahim Touray.

Janka Nabay's debut LP, En Yay Sah, was released yesterday on Luaka Bop Records.  This is music you're unlikely to hear anywhere else.  If you dig the Olympic Anthem, definitely check out the LP.

Antibalas is Back!

Antibalas wastes no time kicking things off with an infectiously danceable, politically astute, track that leaves no doubt in listeners' minds: Antibalas is back and better than ever.  5 years was a long time to wait for hardcore fans such as myself, but the wait is over, and I dare say it was worth it.  While band-members got involved in a variety of solo projects and collaborations, the music was all-the-while growing and percolating.  Creative juices were flowing.  Getting a band this big together to record and perform is no small task.  When the stars finally aligned, the afrobeat gods smiled once again.

I'll have an in-depth interview with founding member Martin Perna in the coming weeks.  I'll also be catching Antibalas live in Brooklyn on August 18th.  They'll be touring across the US and Canada, so don't waste an opportunity to catch this world-class act live.


Antibalas 2012 Tour Dates:
Fri Aug 10 — San Francisco, CA — Outside Lands

Sat Aug 11 — San Luis Obispo, CA — SLO Brewing Co

Sun Aug 12 — Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern 

Tue Aug 14 — Los Angeles, CA — The Echoplex 

Wed Aug 15 — Pomona, CA — Fox Theater 

Sat Aug 18 — Brooklyn, NY — Williamsburg Park
Tue Sep 11 — Minneapolis, MN — First Avenue

Wed Sep 12 — Milwaukee, WI — Turner Hall

Thu Sep 13 — Chicago, IL — Lincoln Hall

Fri Sep 14 — Detroit, MI — Majestic Theatre

Sat Sep 15 — Cincinnati, OH — Taft Theatre

Tue Sep 18 — Toronto, ON — Lee’s Palace

Wed Sep 19 — Montreal, QC — Corona Theatre

Thu Sep 20 — Boston, MA — Paradise

Tue Sep 25 — Washington, DC — Black Catt

Wed Sep 26 — Richmond, VA — Capital Ale House

Thu Sep 27 — Carborro, NC — Cat’s Cradle

Fri Sep 28 — Charlotte, NC — Visulite

Sat Sep 29 — Asheville, NC — Grey Eagle

Mon Oct 1 — Knoxville, TN — Cider House

Tue Oct 2 — Nashville, TN — Mercy Lounge

Wed Oct 3 — Louisville, KY — Bomhard Theater

Fri Oct 5 — Atlanta, GA — Goat Farm

Sat Oct 6 — Athens, GA — 40 Watt

Sun Oct 7 — Birmingham, AL — Bottletree

Tue Oct 9 — New Orleans, LA — Tipitina’s

Wed Oct 10 — Houston, TX — Warehouse Live

Thu Oct 11 — Dallas, TX — Kessler Theater

Sat Oct 13 — Austin, TX — Austin City Limits Festival

Mandingo Ambassadors New Album: Tougna

Anyone familiar with the New York African music scene will surely have heard the Mandingo Ambassadors display their gracefully artistic sound to the delight of listeners and dancers.  For those unfamiliar with the African musical stylings of this virtuosic ensemble, now is the time for your introduction.  Their new album, Tougna, out July 24, 2012 on 1-2-3-4-GO Records, will transport you into another world of dancing and pure musical bliss.

Guitarist, bandleader, and griot, Mamady Kouyate, represents a lineage of musicians stretching back through generations spanning hundreds of years in his native Guinea.  He was raised on the traditional music of his people but bridged the gap to the modern music of the times, transposing the traditional music to the electric guitar.  He was in the middle of the movement led by President Sekou Toure to form a new national identity for newly independent Guinea, made famous by bands like Bembeya Jazz, of which Mamady is a veteran.  

In 2004, Mamady moved to the USA as a political refugee.  It was there, in Brooklyn, NY where he started the Mandingo Ambassadors.  Composed of African musicians from his native Guinea, as well as Europeans and Americans, he continued the legacy and spread of African music to new generations.  The ambassadors' new album, Tougna, is a beautiful collection of songs highlighting Mamady's virtuosic guitar playing with the backing of a lively rhythm section, sailing horns, and the majestic vocals of Bebe Camara.

The Mandingo Ambassadors perform regularly around New York.  They were the first African musical act I saw live in person when I was 22 and visiting the city.  I saw them in a packed room in Barbes in Park Slope.  My mind was completely blown at the beauty of their compositions and their ability to turn the room into a complete dancing frenzy.  I've seen them live several times since, and they've never disappointed me in the least.  Check out their new album, and if you like what your hear, absolutely see them live in person to experience the real thing.

GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance 2012

That time of the year is almost here...The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance is set to go down next weekend beginning Thursday July 19th.  This year's lineup features Khaira Arby, SMOD, John Brown's Body, Thomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited, Locos Por Juana, and a long list of other acts from several corners of the globe.  If you've never attended GrassRoots before, this is a great year to start.  You'll be eager to make it a yearly tradition I'm sure.

Dig the interview I conducted with John Brown's Body Drummer Tommy Benedetti in advance of the 2010 GrassRoots Fest:

MGA: I've seen many labels attached to your music, Future Roots Music, the most commonly used. How would you describe your sound in your own words?

TB: I think the term "Future Roots" does describe our music pretty well. We all love and respect Jamaican reggae/dub from the 70s and 80s. So our songs are generally built from a heavy dub influence. But we have many other influences that go into our sound as well. And I think its our job to keep our sound progressing and keep things as fresh as possible. JBB is a thick sound. A big, loud machine.

MGA: How were you first introduced to reggae and who were the artists that made the biggest impact on your musical development?

TB: I was introduced to reggae as I was finishing up at Berklee College of Music in Boston. I took the gig with The Tribulations and went on a crash course of reggae and dub. Kevin Kinsella and Elliot Martin dropped some heavy stuff on me to check out. The Gladiators, Burning Spear, Black Uhuru, Alpha Blondy. It was a whole new world for me to dive into. Sly and Robbie had a huge influence on my approach to playing dub, and still do to this day.

MGA: The personnel in JBB has changed a lot over the years. How would you describe what the most recent changes have brought to the band?

TB: We've been lucky, that everytime we've lost someone, we've brought in a musician thats really helped JBB progress and get to where we are today. We are very much like a family. There's a lot more involved in being a member of JBB than just being a killer player. This current lineup has been traveling the planet together for over 4 years, which is pretty good for our business.

MGA: How would you describe the evolution of Reggae music over the last twenty years and where it fits in the global music scene?

TB: Reggae is a very far reaching genre. I see a lot of kids all over the country that are being inspired by reggae; a lot of times on tour we will have a local act open the show ,so it's cool to see everyone's unique approach to playing the music. Some of my favorite reggae these days comes from all over the globe. Black Seeds from New Zealand and, Dubmatix from Toronto, Midnite from St Croix...there are a lot of hard working bands doing some real good things these days.

MGA: You guys have played all over the world. How does the reception vary in different places and cultures?

TB: Generally, people come to our shows and are very appreciative I think. We bring something different to the table so not everyone gets it. But we've had some great shows in France, Hawaii, New Zealand, there's always gonna be some places that are better than others, just like in the states, but when we come to town we're gonna throw down, no matter where we are.

MGA: JBB has been playing grassroots for several years. Could you describe the vibe and energy of the festival for those who haven't been there before?

TB: I think I can speak for most of the guys and say that Grassroots is one of, if not our favorite summer fest to play. I always have a great time and the caliber of music is really off the charts. This is probably around our 10th one, so we play to a real big crowd and its an incredible feeling. I recommend it to all of my friends.

MGA: One band I'm especially looking forward to seeing is The Black Seeds, a band with a similar sound to JBB who you guys have toured with extensively. Could you describe their sound and how you feel about it?

TB: They have more of a soul/funk vibe than JBB does maybe, but we share many common influences. I am a huge fan. We had them open a US tour for us last year and they returned the favor by bringing us to New Zealand for 3 weeks of shows. It was a real life changer. To me,they have it all..they're amazing musicians, great songs, and a sound that's all their own..and you know I have to say their drummer Jarney is one of my favorites!

MGA: Who are some of the other acts to which you're especially looking forward to seeing this year at G-Roots?

TB: Unfortunately this year we have to leave Saturday to play a big outdoor show in Boston, so I won't be able to catch as much music as I usually do, but I would be psyched to see Oliver Mutukudzi and Railroad Earth..we did the jam cruise with them back in January..they are a great band..and I think The Black Seeds are playing the same night we are, so I can not wait to see them and party with them

MGA: JBB has evolved and changed quite a bit over the years. Where would you like to see JBB go from here on out musically and otherwise?

TB: I want us to be happy continuing doing what we do..further crafting our sound and bringing it to the people.

New Sofrito Compilation

Sofrito is at it again.  The international coalition of dj's and producers committed to making people dance across several continents are set to release their second compilation, International Soundclash, July 24th in conjunction with Strut Records.  Sofrito take an approach that I love: taking the best danceable music from all over the world and mixing it together to create a consistent, funky vibe.  Funk is universal, and Sofrito is your interpreter.  Dig a free track in advance of the album's release next month.  For those across the pond in the UK, check out their record release party in London July 20th.

Afrobeat for Ya Soul BK Edition

Afrobeat for Ya Soul, D.C.'s hottest Afrocentric dance party is coming to Planet Brooklyn June 28th courtesy of The Lunchbox Theory.  Mickey Perez will be on the 1's and 2's along with Girl vs. Machine at One Last Shag starting at 8pm.  Best of all, admission is free.  Just bring your positivity and energy to share.

New Afro Disco Track

Many of you know, I have a deep love for all musics afro-disco associated.  This remix of The Bank's track from Frank Agrario touches my afro-disco soul. Dig it.

New Video from SL Refugee All-Stars

The World Food Program USA and Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars have joined forces to bring attention to the urgent issue of global hunger. Their new video Big Fat Dog, off their seriously nasty new album Radio Salone (produced by Ticklah) was filmed in Freetown, Sierra Leone and addresses an issue that's all too familiar to Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars: the divide between those who have plenty and those who have little. 

For the third time in a decade, drought in the Sahel region of Africa is threatening millions of people with hunger. Meanwhile, conflict in Mali has forced at least 300,000 people to flee their homes, adding to the hunger crisis both in Mali and neighboring countries. The UN World Food Program and its partners have launched a regional response to bring food assistance to more than 9 million people in eight countries.  Dig the album, join the fight against global hunger and support World Food Program USA. Text AID to 27722 to make a $10 donation. 

Catch The All-Stars in Concert on their World Tour:

Thu Jun 21   Chameleon Club, Lancaster PA

Fri Jun 22   Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square PA  
Sat Jun 23   Iron Horse, Northampton MA  
Sun Jun 24   Brighton Music Hall, Boston MA  
Tue Jun 26   The Hamilton, Washington DC  
Thu Jun 28   Bearsville Theater, Woodstock NY  
Fri Jun 29   Highline Ballroom, New York NY  
Sat Jun 30   Rochester International Jazz Festival, Rochester NY  
Sun Jul 01   TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Toronto ON   
Tue Jul 03   The Beachcomber, Wellfleet MA  
Thu Jul 05   Bridge Street Live, Collinsville CT  
Fri Jul 06   West Kortright Centre, East Meredith NY  
Sat Jul 07   Higher Ground, South Burlington VT  
Sun Jul 08   RBC Royal Bank Ottawa Bluesfest, Ottawa ON   
Tue Jul 10   Festival Nuits d'Afrique, Montreal QC   
Wed Jul 11   Festival D'été International De Quebec, Quebec QC   
Fri Jul 13   Masala Festival, Hannover Germany  
Mon Jul 23   Mar de Musicas, Cartagena Spain  
Sun Jul 29   Festival Du Labyrinthe De La Voix, Saint-Junien France  
Thu Aug 02   Pickathon, Happy Valley OR   

New Dopeness from Nickodemus

One of the dopest dj's NY has ever seen is spinning this weekend in BK.  Nickodemus will be on the 1's and 2's this Sunday at the DeKalb Market (for free!) to celebrate the release of his new album Moon People, out June 19th on ESL Records.  Dig the link to a live mix from the master blaster below to get a taste of what he's all about.  

Nickodemus LIVE @ theLIFT / 1 year anniversary Jan. 2011
 

New Single to Benefit AIDS Research

Red Hot is back at it again.  The first single featuring ?uestlove, Angelique Kidjo, tUnE-yArDs, and Akua Naru from their forthcoming album, (RED) Hot + Fela, out this fall on Knitting Factory Records, is out today via Itunes and Soundcloud.  All proceeds from the album go towards AIDS research via (RED) and The Red Hot Organization.  Dig the track below, buy it for a good cause, and keep an ear out for the full album later this year.

Help Akoya Put Out a New LP!

 
Of all the afrobeat I've ever heard, live or recorded, Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble ranks as some of the very best (and coming from me, that means a lot, if I do say so myself).  They're currently raising money via kickstarter for their new album, which if they raise the requisite funds, they'll press on vinyl!!!  I can't put into words how excited I am at the prospect of owning a new Akoya record.  These guys are some of the best musicians in the world carrying the afrobeat flag today.  Not only do they call themselves an afrobeat band, they're the real thing.  They play the music the way it's intended to be played.  If I had enough money, I would give them all the money for which they're asking and fund the record myself.  Unfortunately, I have very little money and have no prospect of making any in my near future.  Don't feel bad for me, just give Akoya some support.  Help make the world a funkier place.

The Nazarenes to Drop Meditation Next Week

The Nazarenes are a reggae band out of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  Their new album, Meditation, set to be released April 24, 2012 on I Grade Records, is a spiritual journey into the beliefs of two Rastafarian brothers born and raised in the Rasta holyland.  Noah and Medhane Tewolde make up the Nazarenes, and they tell the story of how reggae connects disparate worlds, from the Caribbean to Africa to Europe (where the brothers now live) and beyond.  If you're a hardcore reggae fan, this album is a must-have.  Preview the title track below, and cop the album when it drops next week.

New Album from Maga Bo

Quilombo do Futuro, the new album from Maga Bo out May 22, 2012 on Post World Industries, is one of the most inventive, unique sounding albums I've heard in a while.  Dig the video for No Balanço da Canoa below, and if you dig the sound, cop the mp3 at your leisure. 

KonKoma to Release Debut Album on Soundway

KonKoma, a hot new afro-funk band based in London, are set to release their debut album June 25, 2012 on Soundway Records.  If you happen to live across the pond and are free June 1st, they'll be performing live on a ridiculously nasty bill with Pax Nicholas, The FOKN Bois, and Yaaba Funk at Rich Mix.  To get a taste of what they're all about, dig their teaser video below.

 

Flavour - Tuesday Nights @ Bamboo

Looking for some extra afro-flavour?  If you're in or around the E. Village, check out the new Tuesday Night jam at Bamboo, Flavour.  Live afropop will be performed by Makane Kouyate's Denbaya.  Afrobeat, salsa, tropical disco and other danceable jams will be doled out by dj's Bryant K and No Comprendo in abundance.
 

We Will Never Stop - Music is the Weapon

 
Afrobeat will never stop.  That message is sent loud and clear from Music is a Weapon, an afro-collective out of Stockholm, Sweden.  Dig their video for their latest single, We Will Never Stop.

Elikeh Needs Your Help!

 
Elikeh, an afro-funk ensemble based out of Washington D.C. that fuses Togolese traditional rhythms and melodies with afrobeat, reggae, and rock sounds, is raising money via kickstarter to distribute their next album, Between 2 Worlds, featuring Vieux Farka Toure.  I reviewed Elikeh's last album, Adje! Adje! and was totally blown away by the ingenuity of their sound.  I'm excited to hear what these guys have in store for their next release.  Donate what you can and help these artists' spread their message to the world.