Antibalas

Antibalas is a Brooklyn, New York-based afrobeat band. Founded in 1998 by Martín Perna, the group is known for its energetic live performances and its dedication to the musical and political legacy of Fela Kuti. Antibalas’s name translates to "bulletproof" or "anti-bullets" in Spanish, a reflection of their intention to create music that is resilient and powerful.

The band's sound is deeply rooted in the classic afrobeat style pioneered by Kuti, featuring complex polyrhythms, driving percussion, extended instrumental jams, and politically charged lyrics. While firmly grounded in tradition, Antibalas also incorporates elements of funk, jazz, and dub, creating a sound that is both familiar and distinctly their own.

Throughout their career, Antibalas has released several critically acclaimed albums, including Liberation Afrobeat Vol. 1 (2000), Talkatif (2002), Security (2007), Antibalas (2012), and Where the Gods Are in Peace (2017). Their music often addresses themes of social justice, political corruption, and resistance.

Beyond their own recordings, Antibalas has achieved wider recognition through their involvement in the Broadway musical Fela! which ran from 2008 to 2011 and won several Tony Awards. The band served as the show’s house band, bringing afrobeat to a mainstream audience.

Antibalas continues to tour and record, playing a significant role in the resurgence and global popularity of afrobeat music. They are considered one of the most influential and important afrobeat ensembles of the 21st century.