Besotted with Prince’s early-career synth funk and born under a bad Fela moon, the Parisian underground supergroup the Afrorockerz has arrived to rock that new-new funk for 2015.
This band—the brainchild of French guitarist (and acolyte of Afrobeat drum master Tony Allen) Julian Raulet—made major noise last year on the continental European tour circuit, jamming out at tons of clubs and festivals, all in the name of delivering their face-melting global African nu-funk to the masses.
This week (January 13), the Afrorockerz dropped their self-titled debut album on the upstart Parisian label Buda Musique. The album’s sound marries popular Afro-beat, new wave, funk, soul and hip-hop influences with the sturm und drang of jazz-rock fusion for a satisfyingly raucous listening experience.
A sampling of the Afrorockerz’ undeniable dopeness takes the form of their powerful live video performance of “I Go You Go,” featuring the riveting, full-throated vocals of central African singer Emma Lamadji. (The album also features Chicago transplant/Parisian expatriate Allonymous on wavy poetic vibes.)
Pick up the Afrorockerz’ electrifying debut on their website, shout them out on their Facebook page, and be sure to catch this band live when they shake things up stateside, which we hope is much sooner than later.
Sun Singleton is a musician/editor/journalist based in New York City whose work has been featured in a variety of publications, including Vibe, Mass Appeal, Complex.com, EBONY.com, Bronx Biannual, YOYO/SO4 and BET Digital. Feel free to connect with her on Twitter at @sunsing.
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