Saturday night, there’s gonna be an inferno erupting from the stage of the Maple Leaf Bar when bassist Bru Bruser celebrates the life of the one and only Afrobeat pioneer and Nigerian superstar Fela Anikulapo Kuti with two bands and three big sets. Expect the night to go into the wee wee hours.
The legend passed away in 1997. October 15 would have been his 77th birthday. Bruser’s Dirty South Afrobeat Arkestra Gov’t Majik will play two full sets followed by a late night set by his new band, Full Orangutan.
Gov’t Majik doesn’t play that much around town due to the size of the aggregation and the difficulties corralling so many a-list musicians. The above vid will give you an idea of their sound, but expect many more musicians. The musicians make the effort this time of year to pay tribute to their inspiration. If you’ve never seen this band and you are a fan of Fela, horn sections, wild percussion and/or booty-shaking music—consider yourself warned. This is not music for the faint of heart or those with sore feet.
While there are other bands playing music inspired by Fela including at least two of his sons who lead bands, there are very few groups who do it with such dedication and reverence for the master.
Of special note for this gig—guitarist around town, Danny Abel of Gravity A and too many other bands to name, will be on the bandstand. As will guitarist Raja Kassis (of Antibalas fame and another disciple of the master). Luke Quaranta from Toubab Krewe will augment the formidable percussion ensemble. Both Kassis and Quaranta play with Bruser in Full Orangutan.
Show time is at 10 PM. But this is the Maple Leaf.
