The word Antibalas, in the name of the band Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, means “anti-bullets” in Spanish. Afrobeat was the brainchild of Nigerian Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. His idea was to empower people suffering under cruel dictators in Africa. Since his passing, the Orchestra has taken it upon themselves to continue his legacy. This 14-piece band combines what they call “monstrous horns and bass, polyrhythmic beats and funky breaks” with fiery leftist politics. Notes on their Web site read “every Antibalas show is a dance party and life-affirming celebration.” Their travels have taken them to every corner of the earth from Chicago to Istanbul and back again. They have also opened for artists such as James Brown, No Doubt, Wyclef Jean and Trey Anastasio.Martin Pierna, the baritone saxophonist, joined all 14 pieces of this diverse group six years ago. The group is comprised of Latinos, Caucasians, African-Americans, Africans and Asian-Americans. They all share a recording studio in Bushwick, Brooklyn where they also frequently perform.Body parts flying, sweaty dreads beating against human flesh, the sound of a million hearts beating to the rhythm – that’s what you can expect from one of their shows. Even the free-form dancers with their gyrating pelvises and pumping chests cannot remove their attention from the stage and the dozen or so musicians playing what seems to be the beautiful coming together of a political rally and an African drum circle.So at the very least, songs like “War Is a Crime,” “Hypocrite” and “World Without Fear” will get you dancing, if not revolutionizing. They will be performing tonight at Water Street Music Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m. For ticket information call Aaron’s Alley at (585) 244-5044 and for venue information visit http://www.waterstreetmusic.com.Goldner can be reached at bgoldner@campustimes.org.
campus brat
Afrobeat sings from the heart
The first realization of my own age hit me in the months before I started college. I was helping my dad clean the small office he’d occupied in Rush Rhees longer than I’d been alive. The walls of which boasted childhood drawings that my sister and I had crayoned. Even though I was looking at my distant past, I realized I would soon be starting a new page of my future. Read More
Campus Times
Afrobeat sings from the heart
As per tradition, “The State of the Campus Times” updates readers on our affairs — the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) and Publisher write this pseudo-column at the start and end of every semester to articulate the struggles and joys found through managing your local student-run newspaper. We also introduce ourselves and our projects, what we hope to achieve during our terms, and we provide progress updates regarding past management’s pursuits. Read More
cooking
Afrobeat sings from the heart
Through a live demonstration and tasting, Chef Dede prepared fried chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, and collard greens – dishes rooted in Black Southern history. Students leaned in as she explained the methods and care that go into each plate. Read More