Antibalas

Bulletproof Blues


JazzWorld Stage - Saturday

Antibalas – Bullet proof

Out of Brooklyn New York, Antibalas (Spanish for bullet proof) exist not so much as a band in the traditional sense, more a movement, an idea, a polyrhythmic tribute in action. A monument to the music, political activism, the indomitable spirit of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti - Godfather of Afrobeat; “Keeping Fela’s dream alive” roars their hyperactive master of afrobeat ceremonies. A dream that seems to be popularly shared by audiences world wide as Antibalas tour internationally and have supported no less than James Brown, No Doubt, Wyclef Jean over the last few years

A thirteen piece collective comprising monstrous brass, an unrelenting rhythm section, bass that could rearrange internal organs and even authentic distorted Fender Rhodes, Antibalas appropriately describe themselves as an “afrobeat juggernaut”. Funk fuelled and driven by a furious indignation at the political, economic and cultural exploitation of the weak they turn the Jazz Arena into a muddy, rain drenched, sweat drenched gymnasium.

Irresistible, infectious funk workouts include ‘Homeland Security’, ‘Big Man’, ‘Payback Africa’, ‘No Bread’, ’Indictment – Order in the Court’ – (during which most of the Bush administration is summarily tried and convicted of crimes against humanity) and new single ‘Who Is America?’.

The more cynical might consider Antibalas too ‘right on’ (they’re hardly from downtown Lagos after all), maybe a little politically simplistic in their broad-brush distain for anything right of hard left or simply just another ‘tribute’ band. That said, the fact that they wear Fela’s heart on their collective sleeve, upholding his awesome musical tradition with such power and a genuine desire to contribute to fairer, more equitable world is more justifies them for me. Fela’s spirit sounds wonderful, we’re fortunate that they’re here to share it.

Martin J Williams

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