#3391: African Roots

For this New Sounds show, listen to the Afrobeat party band Antibalas, formed in 1998 and modeled the outfit after the late great Fela Kuti's Africa 70 band.  The Brooklyn-based music collective recently released a self-titled effort, the first in five years, featuring the track below, “Dirty Money,” on the heels of their run as house band for the Broadway musical, “Fela!”  

Also, hear music by the legendary South African trumpet player Hugh Masekela who, throughout his 50 year career, has pushed boundaries, both musical and social, with his advocacy for civil rights from both sides of the Atlantic.  Then, listen to music known as “Cape Jazz” from South African pianist/composer Abdullah Ibrahim, formerly performing as Dollar Brand.  Back in the late 1950’s, Dollar Brand and Masekela formed the Jazz Epistles, the first African jazz group to record an LP and perform to wildly enthusiastic crowds within South Africa.  Plus, music by pianist/composer Vijay Iyer, and more.

PROGRAM #        3391, African Roots  (First aired on 10/22/2012)