"How good are they LIVE?" in the last 12 months on 100 (as of 9/23/24)
%
Based on
critic concert reviews
Real Live Certified
Artists are Real Live Certified if their live shows have broad critical acclaim
Critic Consensus
Based on 21 concert reviews, the critic consensus is that Antibalas is rated as a remarkable live performer, with worthwhile shows overall. Antibalas concert reviews describe live shows and performances as infectious, feel-good, surreal, rhythmic, and hypnotic.
Brooklyn, New York, New York, United States (1998 - present)
Bio
Antibalas is a Bushwick, Brooklyn based afrobeat band that is modelled after Fela Kuti's Africa 70 band and Eddie Palmieri's Harlem River Drive Orchestra. Although their music is primarily afrobeat, their music incorporates elements of jazz, funk, dub, improvised music, and traditional drumming from Cuba and West Africa.
Has Performed With
Zap Mama
Critic Concert Reviews
Glide Magazine (USA)
October 4, 2021
%
With summer in the Pacific Northwest bidding adieu and the rainy season lurking around the corner, concert promoters who got a late start to the season due to Oregon having some of the harshest pandemic restrictions in the country are cramming as many outdoor shows in as possible before the weather is no longer suitabl
Walking into the formal setting anticipating an Afro-beat dance party was slightly surreal yet by the end of the evening a standing chanting audience sang the band out.
The venue proved to be a good fit for the afro-beat collective, despite the small stage—wedging 12 band members, including keys, full percussion and six horns, into that cramped area was an impressive feat.
After seeing them again 2 years later, I remained a fan, but wondered about their staying power and ability to emerge from behind the long shadow of Fela Kuti and assert a fresher, more developed sound.