Recent Afrobeats

Afrobeat king Tony Allen 1970

The past few years have seen an explosion of new Afrobeat albums. All those hard driving rhythms need to be unearthed and documented in one place. Just in case no one else has done it, here it is…

First I’m going to feature a few of my favorite albums, and then I’ll list the rest of them. All of them you need to check out.

Starting with Tony Allen’s new album, The Source (2017).

This album is raw and electrifying the whole way through, featuring not only Mr. Allen’s drum set, but also full-filling a life long dream of recording on Blue Note Records. This album is truly unique, mixing in Jazz with Afrobeat and more traditional African music. The Source also has Allen looking back at his early influences on the drum-kit, Art Blakey, Max Roach, etc…, and pays a fitting tribute to them. Employing a who’s who of Paris Jazz musicians The Source will leave you in awe of what a 76 year old veteran of the drum set can craft.

…check out this killer photo collection of Tony Allen here.

Speaking of the forefathers of the genre Femi Kuti has a new joint as well.

Femi Kuti-One People One World (2018)

I don’t think I really need to express the importance of the message on this one. With titles like Africa Will Be Great Again, Femi speaks about the future he see’s for his people. Not only does he touch on Africa but he acknowledges the entire world, imploring us to find our collective humanity and live together in unity.

…and here are a ton more to keep you busy.

Antibalas-Where the Gods are in Peace (2017)

Of course a necessary place to start digging is with Antibalas’ new album. Straight forward, politically motivated Afrobeat in the direct vain of Fela Kuti’s classic records.

Here Lies Man-S/T (2017)

“What if Black Sabbath played Afrobeat?” This is the question that Marcos Garcia of the Afrobeat collective Antibalas asked before undertaking his new project Here Lies Man, a question we didn’t know needed asking but are damn glad he did.

David Nesselhauf-AfroKraut

Image result for david nesselhauf album 2017

This dynamic offering is the brainchild of producer/composer/multi-instrumentalist David Nesselhauf. Citing the creative experimentation of kraut rockers Can and using vintage recording techniques and instruments this album has a unique sound. Combining new music and pop sensibilities with Afrobeat and striking rhythms makes it a great album to listen to and dance! Also keep your eyes peeled for the new album coming out soon!

Roberto Lopez-Criollo Electrik (2017)

A really great collage of latin, pop, afrobeat, and funk on display here. Read more here.

The Heliocentrics-The Sunsine Makers (2017)

This very interesting album is the original soundtrack to the documentary film of the same name.

-From the Deep (2016)

The Heliocentrics are a group that is constantly hard at work. Whether they are working together as a unit or employing the help of other talented musicians, they are experimenting with the genre and pushing it further into the future. Collageing together ambient sounds from the environment, and rattling around various rhythm instruments, helps to push this experimental vibe farther along. Strictly speaking not really Afrobeat, but there is enough influence there to be intriguing and a good fit for this post.

The Seven Ups-Commandments

…another new band that has been hard at work. Below is the cover for this years new album Commandments, but keep your eyes out for their 2015 self titled release, and last years release, Drinking Water.

Magic in Threes-Heady Days (2017), 3, & IV both (2016) and Return of… (2015)

Image result for magic in threes heady days

Strictly speaking this side project from the folks who brought us DeRobert and the Half-Truths, isn’t just Afrobeat but is more a collection of psychedelic rhythmic bliss, and cinematic hip hop beats. Still it’s the general Ethio-Jazz and Afro-centrism of the albums they’ve concocted that make them notable contenders in the genre.

…that’s my recap of some of the more notable albums that have come out, here’s a list with way more to sink your teeth into as well.

Invisible Astro Healing Rhythm Quartet-2 (2015)

The Polyversal Souls-Invisible Joy (2015)

Chop Teeth Afro Funk Big Band-Bone Reader (2017)

Chicago Afrobeat Project-What Goes Up (2017)

-Nyash, Up! (2013)

Shaolin Temple Defenders-Free Your Soul (2017)

-From the Inside (2013)

Diazpora-Islands (2017)

Soul Jazz Orchestra-Under Burning Skies (2017)

-Resistance (2015)

-Inner Fire (2014)