Dream Team
Inspired by Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti and the Latin crossover rhythms of Eddie Palmieri’s 1971 album Harlem River Drive, Martín Perna founded Antibalas in 1998. Named after the Spanish term for “bulletproof,” the Brooklyn-based band experimented with diverse musical influences before honing in on Afrobeat. According to Pitchfork, the group’s dedication to the genre proves that it’s “an art form that can not only survive but thrive, artistically and politically, outside the context of 1970s Nigeria.” Joining the rockers onstage is Zap Mama, an Afro-pop sensation led by vocalist Marie Daulne, who honors her African and European heritage with polyphonic harmonies.
