DJ Rich Medina Brings Legendary Fela Kuti Birthday Celebration Jump N' Funk Back to Life

On Thursday, October 16th, Rich Medina, the DJ/Producer and mastermind behind successful recurrent parties Little Ricky's Rib Shack (Wednesdays at APT) and AfroDisco (SOB's, Winter Music Conference 2007), returns to SOB's to revive one of the most legendary and beloved dance functions of the decade, Jump N' Funk. Rich Medina will man the turntables and the Zozo Afrobeat Band takes the stage in celebration of the legendary Fela Kuti's birthday.

As the United State’s very first and most consistent DJ/Club event dedicated to the timeless music and social contributions of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Jump N' Funk became a staple of New York City nightlife from 2001-2007, but eventually disbanded when Rich Medina's partners went on to pursue other endeavors, one of which was "The Fela Project", an art exhibit at the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York.
 

More than a year after dissolution of Jump N' Funk, Rich Medina, one of the main progenitors of Afro House and global dance, returns to SOB's to bring the party back to life. Part of a 3-part mini-tour hitting Philadelphia, New York and DC, Jump N' Funk's New York rebirth takes place on Thursday October 16th, fittingly the day after the birthday of the party's inspiration, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Joining Rich Medina in the celebration is the Zozo Afrobeat Band, a group that honors Fela's legacy and truly keeps the Afrobeat fires burning. A 13-piece ensemble from New York City, Zozo Afrobeat features musicians from around the world and is led by African music luminary Kaleta. Born in the Republic of Benin and raised in Nigeria, Kaleta grew up recording and performing with legendary Nigerian musicians Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti and King Sunny Ade, and Shina Peters.

S.O.B.'s, 204 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014
Thursday October 16th at 10pm
Ticket Information: $10; available at Ticketweb & SOB's Box Office

Photo 1 of Zozo Afrobeat Band by Jen Mazer. Photo 2, Rich Medina

More at http://www.myspace.com/jumpnfunk