A Fela Kuti Tribute Featuring Afrobeat Down (East African Famine Benefit) April 28, 2006

Continuing in the tradition of Fela Kuti, LA-based band Afrobeat Down is spreading the afrobeat vibe of social awareness and funky living. Having started as a Fela Kuti tribute in 2002, ABD has evolved into a full-blown 11 piece band, which can fluctuate up to 17 members for live shows. Simultaneously a collective and a band, Afrobeat Down push community over all else and are avid supporters of all afrobeat bands, such as Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra

Fela?s music has always been ABD's focus. They started learning Fela?s songs so that they could start playing out, before they even wrote any original material. The way Fela reached people through his vocals has always inspired them to present their audiences with a message. Their desire to spread Afrobeat music all over the world (not just their music, but everyone who is contributing to the movement). This is the underlying force of ABD. Fela created it and they feel blessed to be able to continue his legacy.

Also appearing is everyone's favorite local all-goddess Brazilian drumming troupe Goddess of Funk keep getting tighter and tighter, probably because they've been playing more gigs lately than most bands rehearse. Regular gigs, protest gigs, Burning Man decompression gigs, wedding gigs, Halloween gigs, Christmas party gigs--they're doing it all, while expanding their repertoire from all percussion to a funk, soul, Latin and hip-hop-infused combo, featuring keyboards, Spanish guitar and even some jazzy trumpeting, layered with empowerment chants, but always dominated by gigantic pounding rhythms which summon the awesome dancing elephants of the soul to come forth and stampede.

Inernational DJ Jeremiah from Liberia will be spining world and afrobeat dance music.

This will be an all night dance affair. Bring your dancing shoes!

Partila proceeds from this event wil be donated to the East African Famine Relief.

AFROBEAT DOWN REVIEWS:

"...a totally professional ensemble playing Afrobeat purely for the love of the music....and they definitely honor the legendary Fela Kuti as they do it." ?JAMBASE.com

"...Afrobeat Down's foremost desire is to bring Kuti's work and passion for the community to as many people as possible" ? JOINTZ Magazine.

Official Website: http://maishaproductions.com