History
Antibalas
Antibalas, a name derived from the Spanish word for "bulletproof," is a prominent Brooklyn-based ensemble renowned for its modern interpretation of Afrobeat. The band draws significant inspiration from the pioneering sounds of Fela Kuti's Africa 70 and Eddie Palmieri's Harlem River Drive Orchestra. While firmly rooted in the Afrobeat tradition, Antibalas masterfully weaves in elements of jazz, funk, dub, and improvisational music, enriched by traditional drumming techniques from Cuba and West Africa.
Formation and Early Years
The group was established in 1998 by Martín Perna under the name "Conjunto Antibalas." Their debut performance took place on May 26, 1998, at St. Nicks Pub in Harlem, an event curated by artist Xaviera Simmons. In the ensuing months, the ensemble coalesced around a core of eleven musicians, diligently crafting a repertoire of original compositions. Guitarist and producer Gabriel Roth played a crucial role in these early stages, penning several foundational songs and overseeing the recording and production of the band's first three releases.
Growth and Recognition
Throughout the early 2000s, Antibalas steadily expanded its reach. By the summer of 2000, they had released their debut album, "Liberation Afrobeat Vol. 1," and completed two tours of England, all while maintaining a regular performance schedule in New York City venues. Cameroonian drummer Jojo Kuo, whose distinctive style can be heard on the studio recordings of "Uprising" and "Machete," was a key contributor to the band's early sound.
Acclaimed Releases and Evolution
By early 2002, the horn-driven collective had released their second album, "Talkatif," and embarked on extensive touring across the United States. Their third studio album, "Who is This America?," followed in the summer of 2004. Antibalas continued to evolve, with their 2007 album, "Security," produced by John McEntire and released on the ANTI- label.
Discography
