Brasilian Afrobeat Mixtape

Afro-followers may or may not know that the funky nation of Brazil was very much affected by the spread of afrobeat throughout the African Diaspora.  For those unaware, Wolfram from Soundgoods put together a mixtape choc full of Afro-Brasilian afrobeat goodness.  Dig it.

Grant Phabao Afrofunk Arkestra Debuts New Cut on Compilation from Paris DJ's

This track is pure unadulterated afrobeat heaven.  I dare you not to move while you listen to Ogun from Grant Phabao Afrofunk Arkestra feat. members of Souljazz Orchestra, a track off of Dis Is Good For You - Tropical Grooves and Afrofunk International a forthcoming compilation from Paris DJ's Soundsystem.  If you dig this track (which you absolutely should) then check out the rest of the comp for more afrobeat goodness.

Staff Benda Bilili

I'm a little behind the curve on this one, but these guys are so awesome I figured I'd share it anyways.  Staff Benda Bilili have released their second full-length album, Bouger Le Monde, on Crammed Discs Records.  If you're not familiar with their story, you can read all about it here.  These guys are truly inspirational.  Check out a preview video below and cop the album at your leisure.

Felabration is almost here!

It's that time of year again.  74 years ago Monday, Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti was born.  The man the world came to know as Fela Anikulapo Kuti, legendary musical icon, political leader, and inspirational force that he was, left an indelible effect on the world.  The fact you're reading these words right now is testament to the fact that Fela's message was spread far and wide.  In that vein, October 18th is always a day to celebrate that legacy and continue that story.  Depending on where you're located geographically, here are a few parties going down to celebrate Fela, his music, his message, and his legacy.  No matter where you are, put on some Fela tomorrow, have a dance party, and offer whatever libations you deem fit to the legendary chief priest.  

Littlefield - Brooklyn feat. EMEFE, Mokaad, The Funk Ark, The Rainbow Children, DJ Monk-One

Neighborhood Theater - Charlotte, NC feat. DJ Rich Medina, The Marksmen

The Echo - Los Angeles, CA feat. DJ Rich Medina

Maria's Package Goods and Community Bar - Chicago, IL feat. DJ King Scratch

Hurricane Season in Brooklyn

If you haven't heard of the Analog Players Society, it's about time you have.  Their new album, Hurricane Season in Brooklyn, out September 25, 2012 via Studio Brooklyn is a beautiful collection of songs that breathe life and humanity into some songs previously known as highly-produced radio hits.  

Analog Players Society is a project spearheaded by percussionist, engineer, and producer, Amon.  I first  came into contact with Amon at a party in Brooklyn in the summer of 2008 when he was playing congas accompanying Chris Annibell's dj set, a role he played at Turntables on the Hudson parties often.  It's that live, human presence that Amon brought to the party that shines through on his studio work.  Analog Players Society is about catering to the human aesthetic, to creating sound that can't be re-created with electronic sounds.  Celebrating that earthy, warm sound that only real live musicians are capable of creating is what Analog Players Society do best.  


For fans of APS who've been waiting for this album, you won't be disappointed.  Dig the title track below for a sample, then cop the rest at your earliest convenience.