Antibalas (“bulletproof” in Spanish) is a large collective carrying on the Afrobeat tradition begun by Fela Kuti. Formed in 1998 and based in New York City, the band combines highlife, jazz, funk, and traditional African rhythms and informs all of it with unabashed political conviction.
Antibalas’ sound is rooted in monstrous horns and bass, polyrhythmic beats and funky breaks, and furious lyrics in English, Yoruba and Spanish. Every Antibalas show is a dance party and life-affirming celebration. The band has traveled the world, spreading its captivating sound and potent message.
Antibalas regularly wins over jazz crowds, rock crowds, DJ crowds, world music crowds, jam band crowds, and anyone else in their path. They have performed at jazz festivals from Montreal to Montreux to Istanbul. They have been favorites at multi-genre festivals such as Bonnaroo, Bumbershoot, and England’s Big Chill. They have opened for James Brown, No Doubt, Wyclef Jean, Trey Anastasio and more. They have played many of rock’s best-known venues, including Irving Plaza in New York, the Fillmore in San Francisco, and the Metro in Chicago.
Antibalas served as the house band at Carnegie Hall as part of the venue’s annual tribute series in 2014 (Music of Paul Simon), 2015 (Music of David Byrne & Talking Heads) and 2017 (Music of Aretha Franklin); and from 2007-2012 members of Antibalas participated in the Tony-Award winning Broadway musical Fela!.
Discography
* Liberation Afro Beat, Vol. 1 (Ninja Tune ZENCD56, 2001)
* Talkatif (Ninja Tune, 2002)
* Who Is This America? (Artemis, 2004)
* Government Magic (P-Vine Japan, 2006)
* Security (Daptone Records, 2007)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.