The music originated by Fela Anikulapo Kuti lives forever. Created by Fela in the late ‘60s as a mix of traditional Yoruban folk music with European and American influences, among them jazz and funk, Afrobeat is dance music with a powerful message of social, cultural, and spiritual liberation. The genre also encompasses variations on the Afrobeat theme, from the tribal funk of West Africa to the jazzy melodies of the Ethiopiques series.
Today, over a decade after its founder’s death, Afrobeat is more popular than ever. There’s now a Broadway musical honoring Fela’s life, and all over the world, Afrobeat bands like Antibalas, Albino, and Aphrodesia are making new incursions into the realm of deeply rhythmic, horn-enhanced grooves, funky baselines, and searing guitar licks, adding greatly to the canon of works developed since Fela’s time.
Join San Francisco’s resident Afrobeat expert, Liberian-born DJ Jeremiah, as he presents a new monthly party at Madrone solely dedicated to playing Afrobeat both new and old – and nothing but Afrobeat. Titled “Afrobeat Na Go Die,” the night promises to be heavier, funkier, and more vibrant than anything San Francisco has ever seen before. Alongside Jeremiah will be respected world beat DJ Santero, who’s also a huge Afrobeat fan and record collector. When these two Afrobeat disciples dig into their deep crates, juju happens.
