SILA and The African Rock Special March 20, 2010

At the 41st Annual NAACP Image Awards on February 26, San Francisco ensemble Sila and the AfrofunK Experience won "Outstanding World Music Album" for their sophomore recording Black President (Visila Records, 5/26/09). In a category with such stellar nominees as Zap Mama and Omou Sangare, the win was a notable achievement and something of a surprise for Sila Matungi, who released the album independently on his own Visila label. Other 2010 winners in the music categories include Maxwell, Jamie Foxx, Jay Z, Wycleff, and the Black Eyed Peas. SILA will celebrate their award on Saturday, March 20 at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, CA, and will donate a portion of the proceeds to Chilean earthquake relief. Please be sure to include this event in your listings and "Critics' Choices." Interviews and photos are available upon request.

"This is beyond my wildest dreams," Sila said of his award. "As a boy growing up in Kenya, I could only imagine having a successful career in the music industry, and to win in this category over artists like Zap Mama and Omou Sangare, who have helped bring African music to American and international audiences for so many years, is something I will never forget." The Image Award caps an outpouring of critical acclaim for SILA and Black President. In addition to the band being named "2009 Best International Act" by SF Weekly, the album was among the Top 5 African releases of 2009, according to Afropop Worldwide.

Staying true to his mission to combine music with humanitarian efforts, Sila said in his acceptance speech: "In these times, music has to speak the truth more than ever. As musicians and artists, we have to promote social change all over the world." The co-founder of the Afrofunk Music Festival, an annual event benefiting educational and health-related efforts in Africa, Sila has also been at the forefront of the Bay Area's relief efforts for Haitian earthquake victims. He headlined "SF Hearts Haiti," a sold-out show which raised $6,000 for disaster aid, and his residency at San Francisco jazz club Coda raised an additional $4,000.

The band draws inspiration from Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti while distinguishing themselves by incorporating African genres such as zouk and soukous, as well as the music of Western artists including Sly Stone and Funkadelic. Black President finds the ensemble moving further toward progress and change in both their lives and their music, with blossoming musical chemistry, deep funky Afro-grooves and strong socially-conscious, politically-aware lyrics.

Celebrate Sila’s victory March 20th at the Great American Music Hall at the official Black President Victory Party. Joining him on stage will be Ethiopian singer Meklit Hadero. Tickets are $14; a portion of proceeds will be donated to Chilean earthquake victims.

SILA
Pus Meklit Hadero (Ethiopia)
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Great American Music Hall 859 O'Farrell San Francisco, CA 94109
Doors: 8pm Showtime: 9pm Ages: ALL AGES Tickets: $14
Ticket Info: 888-233-0449, http://gamhtickets.com, http://.gamh.com

REVIEWS:
"With inspired grooves that recall the jazzy Afrobeat of standard-bearers both old (Fela Kuti) and new (Lagbaja) and layered with a tireless P-funk aesthetic, the group represent[s] the best of all possible worlds in World Music terms: uptempo, polyrhythmic, socially conscious (but not pedantic), strikingly melodic, and eminently danceable." -San Francisco Bay Guardian

"Sila's concern with the mission of his lyrics is matched by the power of his grooves, an addictive mix of heavy funk, lively Afrobeat, and sun-soaked island rhythms. His nine-piece band is tighter than the goatskin head of a djembe, and the ensemble's well-balanced instrumentation of dual guitars, bass, drums, percussion, and a trio of horns ensures a wide dynamic range." -SF Weekly

"...irresistibly danceable grooves, up-tempo, polyrhythmic jams and well-placed socially conscious lyric[s]..." -Bohemian

"James Brown's dance floor boogie strut infused with the manic drumming and serpentine guitar jams of Sila's native Kenya." -San Francisco Magazine

"Bay Area dance kings Sila and the Afrofunk Experience combine an international vision with dazzling musicianship. Frontman Sila Mutungi rivets audiences with a combination of James Brown's punchy grooves and Fela Kuti's West African swing. Their debut The Funkiest Man in Africa blows away listeners with its relentless rhythm and sharp songcraft, but can't prepare you for the band's potent onstage energy." -East Bay Express

"Sila and his Afrofunk Experience are in the energy exchange business: you give it up, they give it back with interest- no bribes involved. Try that trick with a Nigerian policeman." -Santa Cruz Sentinel

"[Meklit] is an artistic giant in the early stages. She sings of
fragility, hope and self-empowerment, and exudes all three. What's
irresistible, above all, is her cradling, sensuous, gentle sound. She is
stunning." -San Francisco Chronicle

Official Website: http://www.gamhtickets.com/events/81145/Sila