Afrobeat, a term coined by Kuti, is a combination of Yoruba music, jazz, Highlife, and funk rhythms, fused with African percussion and vocal styles, popularized in Africa in the 1970s.

In Spanish, Antibalas means “anti-bullets” or “bulletproof.” The line-up on their latest CD, Security, includes Amayo (Vocals, Congas), Victor Axelrod (Organ, Electric Pianos, Clavinet, Electric Celeste, Synthesizers), Eric Biondo (Trumpet), Stuart Bogie (Tenor Saxophone), Marcus Ferrar (Shekere), Dylan Fusillo (Shekere, Congas), Marcos J. Garcia (Guitar, Vocals), Aaron Johnson (Trombone), Nick Movshon (Bass), Luke O'Malley (Guitar), Martin Perna (Baritone Saxophone), Jordan McLean (Trumpet, Flugelhorn), and Chris Vatalaro (Drums).

Many of these New York-based musicians also perform in a number of other New York bands, including Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings and The Budos Band. Over the years, members have shared the stage and studios with artists as diverse as Medeski, Martin and Wood, TV on the Radio, Baaba Maal, and Gomez.

The list of influences to these musicians would be a hefty one, but during our conversation they do provide insight into some musical forces who have made an impression beyond Fela, including Fugazi, Bob Marley, Talking Heads, and Eddie Palmieri and the Harlem River Drive Orchestra.

Antibalas have released four albums to date including Liberation Afro Beat Vol. 1 in 2001 and Talkatif in 2002, both on Ninja Tune Records. Who is This America? was released in 2004 on Ropeadope Records and their newest, Security, was released in early March 2007 on ANTI- Records.

Security was produced by John McEntire (a member of Tortoise and The Sea and Cake and producer of Stereolab and Tom Zé among many others) and recorded at Soma, his renown Chicago recording studio.

Fela Kuti was also well-known for his political views and activism (he was famously quoted as saying “music is the weapon of the future”) and politics is an essential ingredient in Afrobeat. Antibalas bring this element to their music both by writing about political subjects and also raising awareness about political and social issues, such as food co-ops, prison reform, reduction of auto use, and anti-corporate culture.

At their show at Cambridge’s Middle East, Antibalas’ audience was as much as a mix as the band themselves: black, white, college students, middle-aged, fans of funk, jazz, and jam bands. Truly, Antibalas is keeping the mission of Afrobeat alive.

A special thanks to the folks at the Middle East for letting me record the interview in their ticket office.

I recently sat down with Martin Perna, who founded Antibalas, and Stuart Bogie in Cambridge, Massachusetts just before their show to discuss:

* how the band is a very real democracy, in every sense of the word
* how a band with so many recording and touring members make it happen
* why Antibalas incorporates so many elements of politics and social change into their music

Antibalas is currently on tour around the world. Catch them if and when you can!

Photo credit: Michael DiDonna

Songs included in the interview with Antibalas include:

1) Filibuster X (Security) (in preview)
2) The Big Man (Who is This America?)
3) Uprising (Liberation Afro Beat Vol. 1)
4) Who is This America Dem Speak of Today? (Who is This America?)
5) Elephant (Who is This America?)
6) Beaten Metal (Security)
7) I.C.E. (Security)
8) Sanctuary (Security)
9) War Hero (Security)
10) Age (Security)
11) Hilo (Security)

If you enjoyed this interview with Antibalas, give a listen to interviews with Atlas Soul, Lovewhip, and Balla Tounkara in the Well-Rounded Radio archives.

Antibalas recommends Celebration, El Michel's Affair, Of Montreal, Pedro the Lion, and Talib Kweli.

Well-Rounded Radio recommends Antiwar.com, After Downing Street, and Rock the Earth.