Antibalas at Islington
Antibalas is another word for bulletproof. Antibalas the band have a strong affinity with Africa in general and West Africa in particular.
Their West African connection and influence is expressed in the Afrobeat music they play so well. The beginnings of their musical quest as an Afrobeat orchestra started over a decade ago and their steady progress, has been an eye opener.
African style beats enhanced with Soul/R&B guitars make up a rhythm section that carries the funk to the listener or dancer. Sleek, fusion style keyboard work takes the music to a different level and creates an exciting, groovy and dance orientated mood for the listener. Top it all up with a jazzy horn arrangement and you are playing Afro beat, the most exciting sound around today. Song lyrics are usually satire and some are social messages highlighting the struggles of everyday life.
Although my description may sound oversimplified, it is. Afro beats is not easy to play and it is even harder to write good Afro beat that can crossover effectively to all lovers of good music. When done in the right fashion, it simply cannot be ignored, it becomes hypnotic and exciting, you just want to dance. Your body takes on a life of its own, if you are not tapping your feet or swaying, you will be nodding to the groove.
Most Afrobeat musicians practice diligently to master the jazz elements within the sound and become great at improvising on their individual instruments. Antibalas in the last decade, have mastered the format and are now at the top of their game as leaders amongst the numerous bands who play Afrobeat today.
Antibalas, the band were therefore the natural choice for the producers when the hit Broadway play "Fela" (the story of the creator of this exciting sound) went into production. The play has now toured the world and was very successful. Antibalas were hired to back the singers and dancers in the play and they performed exceptionally well.
Last week, the band came to London, performing at Islington, playing one night at Islington Town Hall before heading for the Netherlands. So they are on tour, spreading the message of Afrobeat where ever they go.
'Bodederek
Visit MusicArtinDesign.co.uk working for the Arts
Short stories and relevant thoughts at 'Bodederek.com
Their West African connection and influence is expressed in the Afrobeat music they play so well. The beginnings of their musical quest as an Afrobeat orchestra started over a decade ago and their steady progress, has been an eye opener.
African style beats enhanced with Soul/R&B guitars make up a rhythm section that carries the funk to the listener or dancer. Sleek, fusion style keyboard work takes the music to a different level and creates an exciting, groovy and dance orientated mood for the listener. Top it all up with a jazzy horn arrangement and you are playing Afro beat, the most exciting sound around today. Song lyrics are usually satire and some are social messages highlighting the struggles of everyday life.
Although my description may sound oversimplified, it is. Afro beats is not easy to play and it is even harder to write good Afro beat that can crossover effectively to all lovers of good music. When done in the right fashion, it simply cannot be ignored, it becomes hypnotic and exciting, you just want to dance. Your body takes on a life of its own, if you are not tapping your feet or swaying, you will be nodding to the groove.
Most Afrobeat musicians practice diligently to master the jazz elements within the sound and become great at improvising on their individual instruments. Antibalas in the last decade, have mastered the format and are now at the top of their game as leaders amongst the numerous bands who play Afrobeat today.
Antibalas, the band were therefore the natural choice for the producers when the hit Broadway play "Fela" (the story of the creator of this exciting sound) went into production. The play has now toured the world and was very successful. Antibalas were hired to back the singers and dancers in the play and they performed exceptionally well.
Last week, the band came to London, performing at Islington, playing one night at Islington Town Hall before heading for the Netherlands. So they are on tour, spreading the message of Afrobeat where ever they go.
'Bodederek
Visit MusicArtinDesign.co.uk working for the Arts
Short stories and relevant thoughts at 'Bodederek.com
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