San Francisco (California), USA – On Saturday, February 2nd, the Independent in San Francisco presents Sila and the AfroFunk Experience , performing a benefit for Carolina for Kibera, Kenya. Nominated for Best World Music at the San Francisco Weekly Music Awards, Sila and the AfroFunk Experience mixes the legendary sounds of Fela Kuti with some tricks gleaned from James Brown and P-Funk. Sila (who sings in Swahili and English) and company create a dancefloor-ready throb that moves audiences.
The band not only offers an evening of funk, but a chance to dance for a cause. The band leader, Sila Mutungi, has decided to use this opportunity to raise funds for his homeland of Kenya, which has recently erupted into post-election violence that has claimed the lives of hundreds and the homes of thousands. Proceeds will benefit non-profit Carolina for Kibera, which serves 25,000 people living in Kibera, the largest slum in Nairobi. Kibera has been devastated by the recent violence. The organization’s program serves the community through a health clinic, a summer youth sports program staffed by volunteers and other programs."The political figures need to call for peace and harmony and directly reach out to their supporters to stop the violence. Only Kenyans can resolve this strife by speaking out as a nation against ethnic violence," Sila says
"I am currently working together with Michael Wanguhu, a Kenyan film maker (Hip-Hop Colony), to shoot a music video of a newly written song encouraging peace among Kenyan people and calling on the political leaders to put aside their pride and greed for the sake of the country. I just don’t want Kenya to become another Rwanda," Sila adds.
Joining Sila and the AfroFunk Experience e will be the Afrobeat sounds of Dj Jeremiah and the Afrobeat Nation (from Liberia) and the tropical beats of Dj Felina.
Where: The Independent, 628 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Tickets: $16-$35. Available at ticketweb.com. 21+
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central