2009-07-18
Out of San Fransisco and led by Kenyan native Sila Mutangi, Sila and the Afrofunk Experience offers funky afrobeat music. The band formed in 2003 and in 2007 they won "Funk Artist of the Year" at the Los Angeles Music Awards. Citing James Brown and Fela Kuti as influences, they perform socially and politically-aware songs to reggae and Latin-tinged rhythms. (The title track being the most obvious example of said politically-conscious lyrics.) Nice grooves can be found on the tracks "Kamakosa" and "Live It Up". You want reggae? Check out "You Love You". Upbeat Afropop? Then "Shelter" is your song. Afro-Cuban influences? Check out "Beauty Queen". Prince-channeling funk? "Chrome" is the best song of the bunch. Rebecca RuthJohn McDowell
Speaking the Mamma Tongue
LOS CENZONTLES WITH DAVID HIDALGO & TAJ MAHAL
American Horizon
Ramiro Musotto
Civilizacao & Barbarye
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
Long Walk to Freedom
VARIOUS
Cartagena!
SI SE
More Shine
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.