Fela Kuti News

Seun Kuti (SHAY-OON KOO-TEE) releases his new 3-song EP Struggle Sounds on Sony Music Masterworks. Co-produced by Robert Glasper, the EP features the single 'Gimme My Vote Back (C.P.C.D.)' where C.P.C.D. stands for Corporate Public Control Department.

On Saturday, October 22 at 8:00 p.m., Carnegie Hall presents African music icon Mahmoud Ahmed in his first solo performance in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage. Celebrated for his richly textured vocal power, Ahmed performs traditional Amharic music from his homeland in Ethiopia, masterfully blending African pop and jazz styles for an ear-opening, one-of-kind musical experience.

Africa Utopia returns for a fourth time to Southbank Centre to explore what can be learnt and celebrated from modern Africa and the African diaspora. The festival investigates the arts and culture of one of the world's most dynamic and fast-changing continents and looks at how Africa can lead the way in thinking about society, community, technology, fashion, gender, faith and activism.

Gregg Kofi-Brown is best known for his work with seminal African funk rock pioneers Osibisa. who were one of the first, if not THE first African band to achieve popular success in the West.

Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh announces Festival 2016.

In a season dominated by musicals with scores made up of pop hits, the two 'Glee' stars helped remind audiences of the great music of Broadway.

UK artist RATIONALE, quickly developing as one of 2016's most vital breaking artists, will release his self-titled debut album September 23, 2016 via Warner Bros. Records.

With dynamic movement and dazzling technique, Ailey II debuted a vibrant new season at the Ailey Citigroup Theater, March 30 - April 10.

Fulcrum Point New Music Project, Chicago's leader in New Art Music led by Stephen Burns, proudly presents "Proclamation! The Black Composer Speaks," a dynamic concert program showcasing the broad spectrum of new art music from the African American perspective at the Promontory Chicago, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave., in one performance only, Friday, April 29, at 7:30 pm.

Ailey II's “indefatigable, virtuosic, and relentlessly sexy” dancers (Los Angeles Times) return to the Ailey Citigroup Theater with two programs of premieres and returning audience favorites. The upcoming New York season comes on the heels of the company's 26-city tour.  During a 14-performance engagement held over two weeks, their “off-the-charts energy” (The New Yorker) will be amplified in diverse repertory by emerging and established choreographers, including Jean Emile, Jamar Roberts, Ray Mercer, Kyle “JustSole” Clark, Dwight Rhoden, Manuel Vignoulle, and Jennifer Archibald.

?Z2 Entertainment is proud to present Felabration Feat. Amayo (Antibalas), Dave Watts (Motet) + Members of Atomga & Euforquestra at the Fox Theatre on Thursday, March 31st, 2016. Tickets are on sale January 29th for $10 early bird or $15 general admission.

Making his World Music Institute debut, Nigerian music legend Orlando Julius plays classic Afrobeat with a psychedelic twist, constantly pushing musical boundaries. Julius is one of the original Afrobeat pioneers, predating even Fela Kuti. Starting in the '60s, he brought together traditional African sounds and rhythms with American pop, soul, and R&B. He spent many years in the United States collaborating with Lamont Dozier, the Crusaders, and Hugh Masekela, and his voice has been an essential part of the invention, development, and popularization of Afro-pop. Julius recently released a widely praised album Jaiyede Afro, which The Guardian called a 'rousing new set' and which WMI's Par Neiburger calls 'One of the best Afrobeat albums I've ever heard.' This year also marks the 50th anniversary of his 1966 release, Super Afro Soul, which made him a national celebrity in Nigeria. The record's dramatic, highly melodic incorporation of soul, pop, and funk was ahead of its time, and arguably shaped the funk movement that swept over the United States in subsequent years.

There are a few reasons why a nomadic ethnic minority from the Western Sahara has become the poster child of world music in the 21st century. In truth, no one can really put his or her finger on Tinariwen definitively, because they are the living, pure sound of a people, a place, and a time so authentically exotic. To categorize Tinariwen in predefined musical genres is as elusive as believing in a mirage.

Canongate Books has acquired world rights in Taduno's Song, a Kafkaesque Nigerian tale by debut novelist Odafe Atogun. Louisa Joyner, Editorial Director of Fiction at Canongate acquired the debut as part of a two book deal from Toby Mundy at Toby Mundy Associates. Canongate will publish in trade paperback in summer 2016.

World Music Institute debuts its brand-new series MASTERS OF AFRICAN MUSIC with two legends ORLANDO JULIUS & THE AFRO SOUNDZ at LPR and KASSE MADY DIABATE at the Met Museum this fall.

Folk people are the People's People. Folk signify kith, kin, family, ancestry, and flesh and blood.

Mr. Pauer announces the release date of his highly awaited sophomore album “Orange” for September 18th on all digital platforms.

Making his World Music Institute debut, Nigerian music legend Orlando Julius plays classic Afrobeat with a psychedelic twist, constantly pushing musical boundaries. Julius is one of the original Afrobeat pioneers, predating even Fela Kuti. Starting in the '60s, he brought together traditional African sounds and rhythms with American pop, soul, and R&B. He spent many years in the United States collaborating with Lamont Dozier, the Crusaders, and Hugh Masekela, and his voice has been an essential part of the invention, development, and popularization of Afro-pop. Julius recently released a widely praised album Jaiyede Afro, which The Guardian called a "rousing new set" and which WMI's Par Neiburger calls 'One of the best Afrobeat albums I've ever heard.' This year also marks the 50th anniversary of his 1966 release, Super Afro Soul, which made him a national celebrity in Nigeria. The record's dramatic, highly melodic incorporation of soul, pop, and funk was ahead of its time, and arguably shaped the funk movement that swept over the United States in subsequent years.

World Music Institute debuts its brand-new series MASTERS OF AFRICAN MUSIC with two legends ORLANDO JULIUS & THE AFRO SOUNDZ at LPR and KASSE MADY DIABATE at the Met Museum this fall.

The World Music Institute has announced its 30th Anniversary, 2015-16 season -- the debut season for Artistic Director Par Neiburger. Recognizing the ever-expanding nature of world music, Neiburger showcases the experimental and avant-garde along with the classic.