Tue 6/25 @ 9PM
Afrobeat was established in the ’60 and ’70s in Africa by a black Nigerian musician, the legendary Fela Kuti, but it’s recently been gaining acolytes among young white musicians in this country. We’ve seen it in Cleveland with bands like Mifume, and now the Revolution Brass Band, claiming Afrobeat among their influences.
One of the most prominent torchcarriers is Brooklyn’s Antibalas, who have been holding forth for 15 years. Four years ago, that band spun off EMEFE, formed by Antibalas drummer Miles Arntzen.
Says the band’s bio, “In the same way that Fela used this music as an escape from and confrontation against the Nigerian authorities, EMEFE uses its music to fight the inner authorities that we put on ourselves, each for our own specific reasons.”
With a four-piece horn section, a couple of guitarists, a pair of percussionists, plus a bassist, drummer and keyboard player, EMEFE deploys some mighty musical resources to help people free their minds and feet.
They’ll be at the Beachland Tavern. All those musicians spilling off that little stage will undoubtedly lead to more energy flowing between the band and the crowd. DJs Charles McGaw and Darrick Grant will spin before and between sets so there won’t any downtime on the dance floor.
Admission is $10.