Kokoroko Afrobeat Collective - Colonial Mentality

The Kokoroko Afrobeat Collective was born a few years ago of a family of friends in music school who shared the love of music, particularly the music and message of Fela Kuti. At the suggestion of a friend to start their own band (not taken seriously, at first), it is Fela's music that gave the fuel and passion for the group to put their own spin on Afrobeat by fusing the sounds of West Africa, with a hint of Southern Africa, and the fire of the London music scene.

As a tribute to their beloved musical hero, the collective has done an excellent cover of Fela's "Colonial Mentality". Here's a live performance from 2016 at the Sofar Sounds headquarters.


Trumpet - Sheila Maurice-Grey (Bandleader)
Saxophone - Cassie Kinoshi
Trombone - Richie SeivWright
Bass - Mutale Chashi
Guitar - Oscar Jerome
Keyboards - Yohan Kebede
Percussion - Onome Ighamre
Drums - Eddie Hicks

Happy Birthday Fela Kuti!

We, here at The Record Realm would like to wish the late, great "Father of Afro-Beat", Fela Anikulapo Kuti (15 October 1938 – 2 August 1997), a very happy birthday in remembrance of his legacy through music and activism. To celebrate the occasion, our own resident DJ Kool Emdee has mixed up a special batch of remixed and re-imagined Fela originals. Press play and enjoy!

Afrolicious: Rise Up

With the event that happened on yesterday in St. Louis, I thought it to be perfect timing to post the new tune by Afrolicious called "Rise Up". I meant to blog about this tune weeks ago, but it slipped my mind. This may have been the reason why. If you're not familiar with Afrolicious, they are an amazing multi-genre band based in San Francisco, founded by brothers Joe "Pleasuremaker" McGuire and Oz "Señor Oz" McGuire, who also double up as a DJ/Production duo known as the Afrolicious Soundsystem.

If you're in the San Francisco area, check out their weekly residency at the Elbo Room, located in the city's Mission District. When going to show your support, just remember this mantra...."It's a party, not a show!"

Finding Fela: Documentary

Finding Fela is a documentary that tells the story of Fela Anikulapo Kuti (October 15, 1938 – August 2, 1997), his political and social impact, and the creator of a new genre he called "Afro-Beat" that helped spark a movement. The film is produced and directed by Academy Award winning director Alex Gibney [Taxi to the Dark Side (2007)], and co-produced by Jack Gulick. The film hits theaters starting August 1st in New York City, and premiere in other cities through September 19th. Go here to view schedule of showtimes.

The soundtrack for the film will include 17 of Fela's classics and a never-before released version of “Colonial Mentality” recorded live at the New Afrika Shine and features his son Femi Kuti on saxophone. You can pre-order the soundtrack from Knitting Factory Records. All orders will ship on July 29th.

Sonic Diaspora Vol.10

Here's the latest mix from the Sonic Diaspora crew, which consists of Itzi Nallah, Punchuashen, Itch13, Afroqbano, and my homie from Philly, Brotha Onaci. These guys are amazing party rocking DJs who also produce and remix tunes that they toss into their mixes. This is a free download to help celebrate three years of Sonic Diaspora. For more info and other goodies, follow SD on Soundcloud.

VOICE: Carts b4 Horses (a.k.a. Rob) [Official Music Video]

The challenge; create a music video from concept to execution in a mere 48 hours, as part of The 48 Hour Music Video Project, New Orleans. The result is the newest music video from VOICE called "Carts b4 Horses (a.k.a. Rob)" that fuses Afro-Beat and Hip-Hop, making a superb blend that's sure to heat dancefloors. Track production was done by DJ Grazzhoppa. Peep the video, subscribe to her Youtube channel and get the lyrics to this tune in the description of the video. Big shouts to Go 'Head Music for a job well done. ENJOY!

Happy Birthday: Fela Kuti

Fela Kuti
(October 15, 1938 – August 2, 1997)
Here we are for another year in celebrating the birth date of the "black president" Fela Kuti (born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti). Let us get together and celebrate in the spirit of oneness!

"A lot of people play African music. It's music of the people. It's music of togetherness. The tonalities, the rhythms of the songs, it's all African. We have 43 people on the tour, and a full show uses 35 of them. People tell me my band is too big, that I can't go on tour. They try to use economics to destroy the culture of my people. Why should money get in the way when I'm promoting greatness?" - FELA KUTI

Erik Rico: Love's Dance Vol.1

Erik Rico, the man with the master plan who has magic hands has released the first of his new EP series titled Love's Dance Vol.1. As the title says, be prepared to feel the love and to dance all you like to the percussion heavy foundation laid for the mellow chords and vitality in his vocal delivery. Track two, "Think of You", has a guest appearance by Taihisha, who also wrote the lyrics and melody. Love's Dance Vol.1 is available now at all major digital music retailers.

Visit: Life Notes Music Official Website

Dezaray Dawn: The Dawning

The new full length release The Dawning from the talented singer-songwriter and producer, Dezaray Dawn is available now via Bandcamp. For those of you who like an eclectic blend on one album, this is another sure-shot to have as part of your collection. Outside of the groove on "Chameleon", one of my other favorites on the album is "Brand New", a tune about renewal of self. The wake up call comes on the jazzy Afro-Beat influenced "Don't You Dare", mentioning of how we have to play the cards that were dealt to us and not blame anyone else for mistakes we have caused for ourselves.

To keep updated for upcoming shows and other news for Dezaray Dawn, give her a "LIKE" on her Facebook fan page.

Facebook: Dezaray Dawn Music

Fela Kuti's "Lady" Remake For Charity

BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2012



Released on June 1st via (RED) + Red Hot Organization to fight AIDS.

Today, the first single from the forthcoming album (RED) Hot + FELA debuted exclusively on the iTunes music store. The track - a remake of Fela Kuti's "Lady" - features Angelique Kidjo, tUnE-yArDs, Akua Naru and Ahmir '?uestlove' Thompson and was recorded with producer Paul Heck at Converse Rubber Tracks studios. The album, (RED) Hot + FELA, will be released on Knitting Factory Records and pays homage to the music and spirit of Fela Kuti. It will be the first collaboration between (RED) and the Red Hot Organization, creators of a long running line of musically original compilations that benefit AIDS organizations, ranging from 1990's Red Hot + Blue (which featured U2 on Cole Porter's "Night And Day") to 2009's Dark Was The Night (produced by Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National). (RED) Hot + FELA, to be released this fall, is the follow up to Red Hot's successful 2002 album, Red Hot + Riot, on which artists ranging from D'Angelo to Sade covered songs by Fela Kuti.

(RED)Music is a centerpiece of the inaugural (RED) RUSH TO ZERO campaign (June 1-10) to raise funding and awareness to help deliver an AIDS Free Generation by 2015, a critical milestone in the fight against AIDS. The virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV is part of the eight Millennium Development Goals, which range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS by the target date of 2015.

Proceeds from the single will be donated to the charity. Purchase the single here.

FELA! On Broadway

BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2012



I have to start out by saying that the FELA! On Broadway musical is ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL! Last night for opening night, me and my other half had the privilege to go see it, thanks to the tremendous efforts by our friend Sis. Akua Holt of Pan-African Journal, which airs Sunday evenings on KPFT 90.1 FM-Houston. With me being a huge Fela Kuti fan, I almost shed a few tears while watching the production. Although I have never been to the Africa Shrine, the entire cast made us feel like we were actually there. It felt like the spirit of Fela was in the theater. If you are one of the remaining cities on the tour, you HAVE to go see this musical. Tickets are very reasonable and I have to note that this is the final run. Go and ENJOY!

Here are a few snapshots of the production taken w/ my camera. I had to get memories.

DJ Kool Emdee: Tropical Blend

I've been in mix mode like crazy lately. So here's a mixture of tunes from different parts of Africa, India, South America and the Caribbean, ranging from Reggae, to House, Bhangra, Kwaito and more. Hope you like!



Tracklisting:


01. Punjabi MC - Jogi (Dance Remix)
02. Punjabi MC - Jatt Ho Gaya Sharabi
03. Salif Keita - Kamoukie
04. Manu Dibango - Soul Makossa
05. Fela Kuti - Roforofo Fight
06. Pastor Mbhobho - Ayobaness
07. Alaska - Fokol
08. Match & Daddy - Pasame La Botella
09. Comando Tiburon - Dale Candella
10. Guajiros - Veo Veo
11. Luisito Quintero ft. Nina Rodriguez - Music For Gong Gong
12. Ana Tijoux - Shock (Captain Planet Remix)
13. Beenie Man - Swagga Dance
14. Alison Hinds - Baddest Wine
15. Mongo Santamaria - Funk Up
16. Dhanush - Why This Kolaveri Di (Digital Remix)
17. Johnny Pate - Shaft In Africa
18. Bob Marley & The Wailers - Kinky Reggae
19. Beres Hammond - Groovy Little Thing
20. John Holt - Love I Can Feel
21. Shinehead - Golden Touch

Mixed by DJ Kool Emdee @ The Record Realm

Super Hi-Fi: Single Payer

OK....i'm playing catch up again. I'm a big fan of dub reggae music. Being that i'm a horn player myself, the music has more appeal to me. Brooklyn based Afro-Dub band Super Hi-Fi, led by bassist/composer Ezra Gale, sent me the digital file of their new "Single Payer" via Dropbox. This track takes me back down memory lane to when I was younger, dwelling in the dancehalls with loud systems playing tunes much like this one. This is a true classic dub reggae groove, giving a double dose of trombones leading the way, accompanied by a rhythm section with good timing to land it all properly.

With vinyl sales continuing to be on the rise, here's your chance to lock and load this 45rpm release of "Single Payer" on Electric Cowbell Records that's available on their website. Not only are you getting a great vinyl record to enjoy as much as you like, they are also tossing in a high quality digital download and bonus material. They have a few shows coming up. For dates and more information, please visit their website to find out where. Don't forget to press play below to get a preview of what you're getting. ENJOY!

Super Hi-Fi Music Official Website

Afrolicious: Never Let No One

San Francisco based collective known as Afrolicious, who doubles as a 10 piece live band and DJ duo, has just uploaded a new track to their Soundcloud page called "Never Let No One", which will be on their Pleasuretime EP coming March 20th. Reading the description for the track, I take it this is a tune composed by one of the members' mother...

"Never Let No One" was written to a young boy when he was still in the womb. This song is an uplifting message to all to stay on the path and continue to thrive, despite what anyone else says or does. With a mix of Afro-beats-disco-house-soul this track features explosive horn melodies, and a strong vocal performance by Fresh is Life imparting his wisdom on the world!

Visit: AFROLICIOUS.org

KOJATO & The Afro Latin Cougaritas: All About Jazz

Nothing like some good old fashioned Jazz music to help lift your spirits. What's better is to hear tunes that will make you want to hit the dancefloor and boogie. KOJATO & The Afro Latin Cougaritas make that type of Jazz, that's fun and soul soothing. I'm really fond of the title track, "All About Jazz" that kicks this album off. Then they move on with a tribute to the late Fela Kuti with "Everywhere You Go Now, Kuti" that features some heavy Afro-Beat influence. Overall, this is a great album to have part of your collection because of their blend of Jazz music with African rhythms. All About Jazz would also make a great soundtrack for a road trip or to grab a partner to cut a rug with. A vinyl and CD release is scheduled for worldwide purchase, although you can get it as a digital download now by way of their Bandcamp page. The digital download also comes with bonus material, so don't be afraid to help yourself.

Happy Birthday: Liza Garza & Dave Soul

Liza Garza
Liza Garza is dope on so many levels. An Emmy Award nominated songwriter and vocalist, who has left many mics aflame with her own brand of poetry. She's made appearances on HBO's Def Poetry, The Lincoln Center, The Apollo and stages across the globe. She also hones her talents into making earring art. You can view and purchase from Liza Garza Signature.



LizaGarza.com

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Dynamite Dave Soul
Dave Soul is (in my J.J. Evans voice) "DYNOMITE!" indeed. Every single time he touches the wheels and clutches a mic, he kills it. While many of us as DJ's have progressed to using Serato, this brother still packs up his vinyl to cut up for his sets. Get a load of this Hip-Hop mix he uploaded recently. I especially love the intro. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday: Fela Kuti

Fela Kuti
(October 15, 1938 - August 2, 1997)
Born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, "Fela" is the father of "Afro-Beat", a human rights and political activist, and also a composer who's music was later influenced by James Brown and the Black Power movement after a visit to the United States in 1969 with his band Koola Lobitos. Fela would later change the name of the band to Nigeria '70. After the Immigration and Naturalization Service was being tipped off by a promoter who said Fela and his band were in the U.S. without work permits, the band then performed a quick recording session in Los Angeles that would later be released as The ’69 Los Angeles Sessions. (Read more...)

Fela Kuti + De La Soul = Fela Soul

I've been pumping this through my studio monitors for the last couple of weeks real heavy and figured I should have posted this when I first caught wind of it. Then again, who cares. This is something real good and i'm sure will be considered timeless. I also have to factor in that Nigerian Independence Day just passed on October 1st, then the father of Afro-Beat, Fela Kuti's birthday is coming up on October 15th. If you haven't checked this remix album out, you're in for a real good treat. Amerigo Gazaway kicked the teeth in of the cat that did the "Nigerian Gangster" remix album of Jay-Z's American Gangster. Your hard-drive is about to get fed with a free lunch. Enjoy!

Captain Planet: Cookin' Gumbo

Here's the follow-up to Captain Planet's critically acclaimed Ningane EP that features Congolese singer Fredy Massamba. Cookin' Gumbo is set for release on September 6th and will contain many delicious dancefloor fillers. Below is a remix of Mia Doi Todd’s "Paraty". Enjoy!


Release Parties / Tour Dates
9/8/11 – Zanzibar (AfroFunke Party) – Los Angeles, CA
9/9/11 – Southpaw (w/ Turntables on the Hudson) – Brooklyn, NY
9/10/11 – Eighteenth Street Lounge – Washington, DC
9/15/11 – Elbo Room (Afrolicious Party) – San Francisco, CA

Pre-order Cookin' Gumbo on Amazon

Happy Birthday: Fela Kuti (The Black President)

Fela Kuti
(October 15, 1938 — August 2, 1997)
Fela Kuti, born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, is known as the "Father of Afro-Beat" and also as "The Black President". Most of Fela's music was about socio-political struggles and the corrupted government of Nigeria.

The title of "Black President" stems from Fela establishing his own political state in 1970 after returning to Nigeria from the U.S. called the Kalakuta Republic, which housed a compound that had a free clinic and recording studio. After writing and releasing "Zombie", which was about the the local military regime, the compound was burned to the ground on February 18, 1977 after an assault by a thousand armed soldiers. During the assault, Fela was severely beaten and his mother was thrown from a second story window and died after being in a coma for 8 weeks. Fela took her remains and placed them on the steps of General Olusegun Obasanjo's residence. In further protest Fela composed "Coffin For Head of State" and "Unknown Soldier".

On the subject of Afro-Beat, Fela created this style with the help of his drummer Tony Allen. Fela is quoted to having said, "without Tony Allen, there would be no Afrobeat". Afro-Beat is a fusion of West African rhythms and chants, highlife of Ghana and Nigeia, Funk (mainly through influence of James Brown), psychedelic rock, Jazz and also borrowing from the native "tinker pan" style of percussion. He featured two baritone saxophone players and would sometimes have two bass guitar players who both would play interlocking melodic riffs. There were two guitarists, horns, percussion and his wives who would lend a hand at vocals, in which many of his songs were call and response. Fela called his show the Underground Spiritual Game.