Saturday night is the anniversary of the birth of the legendary Nigerian singer, bandleader, saxophonist, and African social resistance icon, Fela Kuti. Gov’t Majik, “The Dirty South Afro-beat Arkestra,” will be headlining the annual party at the Blue Nile, known as FELAbration! Ghana-born percussionist Weedie Braimah is also on the bill with his musical friends.
Like his Jamaican compatriot, Bob Marley, Fela changed the face of music. He is the inventor of Afrobeat—a style of music that combines traditional Nigerian music with soul and funk influences from the United States. His music and life have been celebrated throughout the world most recently on Broadway with the acclaimed musical FELA!
Gov’t Majik features some of my favorite musicians from a variety of genres. If you haven’t seen this band, Saturday is the night to see them since they will be at full strength and highly motivated as they celebrate the life and music of one of their heroes.
Expect to see bandleader and bassist, Bru Bruser of Corey Henry and the Tremé Funktet, guitarists Danny Abel of Gravity A and Raja Kassis of Antibalas, Brazilian keyboardist Eduardo Tozzatto, percussionists Luke Quaranta of Toubab Krewe, Tedo Oliviera, and Gabriel Velasco, and drummer Walt Lundy of Bonerama.
The horn section is a major part of the attraction with acclaimed alto sax player Khari Allen Lee, tenor saxophonists Allen Dejan and Kyle Cripps, trombonist Gregory Thomas of P-Funk, and trumpeters Antonio Gambrell and Ricio Fruge.
Opening act Weedie Braimah has become one of the most well known percussionists in the United States. He is a master djembe and conga player with extensive knowledge of the various percussion styles of West Africa and Cuba.
Since moving to New Orleans in 2015, Braimah has been developing his own original music and arrangements of traditional music. He will showcase the material with his new project.
Showtime is 10 PM and the cover is $10.
