Antibalas Afrobeat Orquestra have been bringing the music and message of the late-great, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, to world wide audiences for more than a decade now. Formed in Brooklyn, New York, more than 10 years ago, Antibalas (Spanish for ‘bulletproof’) consists of an eclectic mix of musicians from all types of ethnic backgrounds. In their earlier years, Antibalas pretty much stuck to the afrobeat sound of Fela Kuti. In the last five years, their music has become increasingly diverse, branching out into Latin-soul, and a more Afro-Caribbean sound. This is surely due to the bands ever evolving line-up, which fans in LA can surely attest to. Sadly, Antibalas has some aversion toward Los Angeles, and so they’ve only played about five shows out here in the last ten years. This may be due to their high demand to play shows across Europe, where FELA himself was always a huge success. Antibalas have also been busy “playing” Fela’s band on Broadway, for the musical “FELA,” dedicated to the great Nigerian’s Herculean epic- journey of a life. Finally though, last week, Antibalas made their way out to the left coast, where they seem to fit in so well. Seeing the band members mingling among the crowd on the smoking patio before their set made one wonder why they aren’t out here more often.

[audio:http://newestra.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/chechecole.mp3]
Antibalas Ft. Mayra Vega :: Che Che Cole

Antibalas hit the stage last Thursday night, and opened up their set with what is certainly a new sound. Antibalas have always employed a large number of musicians – two guitar players, electric bass, keyboards, drums, alto sax, trumpet, trombone – but their presentation on this night was introduced by their conguero – a percussionist who held down three conga drums, and a variety of cowbells and shakers the entire night. Antibalas has definitely embraced the Cuban/Puerto Rican folk song style, and somehow managed to merge it with their signature, electro/Nigerian funk sound. The Brooklyn based group continually apologized all night, “Sorry Los Angeles, we know, it’s been waaay too long.” Once again, the band displayed new members on bass, drums, percussion and horns, with only about four of the original 13 (or so) members remaining in the group. Still, Antibalas has maintained their crisp sound, and raced through signature songs like “Indictment,” and “Che Che Mokosa.” A highlight of any and every Antibalas show is when they do a Fela cover. It’s the closest thing you’ll ever get to actually seeing a live ‘Africa 70’ show. The Bulletproof Band closed the night with a groovy track featuring some outstanding work on the flute – once again, merging the jazz style with the classic afrobeat sound – their songs sound super jammy – but anyone who listens extra close knows these songs are expertly crafted – which is why the band stops on a dime, bringing the show to a close, and evoking a huge uproar of appreciation and adulation from the crowd. Let’s just hope Antibalas finds a way to come back out here more often, to bless the scene with their killer sound.

Fotos&Video via El Dom & Rollo/Grady, Words via Felix Facundo Segundo…