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.

Underground System Afrobeat EP Teaser Video

Dig this video from Underground System Afrobeat, a Brooklyn based afrobeat ensemble who plan to release their debut EP in the coming months. This video is dedicated to the bootyshakers of the world...

Album Review: From The Rooftops - The Funk Ark

I've often said, funk is the universal language. The Funk Ark, an 8-piece afro-funk band out of Washington D.C. who released their debut LP From The Rooftops August 16, 2011 on ESL Records, definitely subscribe to that philosophy. Blending elements of 1970's Latin, African, and American funk music, The Funk Ark truly does embrace the ark of what funk is all about.

This album has a gritty, rhythmic vibe that gets inside of you and makes you want to move, or at least strut with a bad-ass look on your face. Due in part to the fact the majority of the album is instrumental, the interlocking guitars, keys and bass take on the identity of The Funk Ark's sound. Like a dirty funky Afrika 70 hook, Meters' Jam, or Juan Pablo Torres ostinato, their polyrhythmic, patchwork textured sound has an infectious effect on your midsection. It's that indescribable funky thang all good funk music has in common that's all over this record.

I'll be on the 1's and 2's when The Funk Ark throws down at Southpaw in Park Slope, Brooklyn (one of my favorite music venues on the planet) on September 10th along with heavyweights of the BK afro-scene, Zongo Junction and upstate afro-representatives The Big Mean Sound Machine. If you're in and/or around New York, definitely come get your doctor prescribed dose of funk as it will be doled out in extra strength portions all night.
The Funk Ark - Diaspora by afrobeatblog

Afropop Takes You Inside the Antibalas Experience

Of all the amazing bands I've ever seen perform, and all the inspiring musicians I've interviewed, Antibalas and Martin Perna sit at the top of both lists. This video from Afropop gives you an idea why.

A Dub for Mali from Afrolicious

If you've ever been to an Afrolicious party in San Francisco, you know they bring the funk. If not, dig this track to get an idea:
Afrolicious - A Dub For Mali by INgroovesmarketing

New EP from The Green

Love and Affection, the new EP from The Green out August 9, 2011 on Easy Star Records, is a contemporary, updated take on traditional roots reggae sounds. As with anything that comes out on Easy Star Records, there is a high standard of production quality and musicianship that shines through on this release. Definitely check it out.
Love&Affection by thegreen

Concert Review: Seun Anikulapo Kuti and Egypt 80 @ SOB's

Contributed by Erin Steadman

Seun Anikulapo Kuti & Egypt 80’s most recent New York show at SOBs on July 27^th, proved that Afrobeat is still a very sought-after sound and experience. Possessing the high cheekbones and sweet eyes of his Father, you would have thought you were in front of the man, Fela, himself. Seun might be the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, but in no way did he fall short of mesmerizing the crowd with his high energy and political disquisition. Between saxophone solos in “Rise” from their newest album, ‘From Africa with Fury: Rise’, Seun set a more solemn, yet groovy, mood over the crowd as he chants about Africa needing to rise against diamond and petroleum companies bringing them down.

At sight of the band, the crowd was already dancing. Though the ultra-high BPM of “Mr. Big Thief” is what really turned the venue known as SOBs into 4,000 square feet of a mini World dance party. It was no longer a show anymore; it was an experience. If you closed your eyes, you could hear the different layers in the music and you were suddenly moving your body in ways you didn’t know you could. Political verse would then make its way through, telling African soldiers that they need to put their uniforms down. At the end of this powerful song, Seun stands shirtless, in the famous stance of his Father. Seun then proceeds to break the ice even more by letting Americans know that they should always turn Kuti on when things go down in the bedroom.

All in all, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 is an experience not to be missed. If you have the chance to see this band, do yourself a favor. If you are unable to see them live, at least familiar yourself with their new album ‘From African with Fury: Rise’ and be ready to embark on a real, raw journey.

Album Review: Janxta Funk! - The Pimps of Joytime

There are some who believe the golden era of funk music has come and gone. Bands and artists like P-Funk, Prince, James Brown, and Rick James either have their best days behind them or have passed on. Then comes along a band like The Pimps of Joytime, proving funk is still very much alive and well as evidenced on their album Janxta Funk!, out June 21, 2011 on Wonderwheel Recordings.

01 Janxta Funk! by The Pimps Of Joytime

Janxta Funk! takes contemporary funk music to new levels. Incorporating elements of hip-hop, Latin, blues, and New Orleans style musics, The Pimps of Joytime definitely have a unique take on the world and their own funky attitude. Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, it's apparent they're influenced by the variety of cultures and styles present in the Brooklyn scene. Right from the first track, Take the L Train, The Pimps bring the funk with a Brooklyn attitude.

What I love the most about this album is how The Pimps pay homage to classic voices and artists while still maintaining a contemporary original identity. One can definitely hear a lot of Prince in lead singer Brian J's voice, as well as a lot of JB's in the horn lines throughout. Several funk luminaries guest including Roy Ayers and The Neville Brothers. While the funk legends all make their presence felt, The Pimps have a way of sampling the best of all them to create their own sound.

Janxta Funk! is available on Itunes or via thepimpsofjoytime.com. The Pimps will be touring all over the US during August and September, so def look out for them as they come to a town near you. These guys know how to throw it down, so whether you just download the album or see them live, prepare yourself to get funked up.

Live From the Continent @ Lincoln Center

If you're physically able to get to Lincoln Center in Midtown Manhattan this weekend, DEF go see the finest music makers of today's generation coming from the continent throw it down. Blitz The Ambassador, Spoek Mathambo, Iyadede and Chief Boima will all be in attendance. If you need any more inspiration, check out the preview video below:

Live from the Continent! from MVMT on Vimeo.