Biography
Antibalas is a Brooklyn-based musical collective founded in 1997 by Martín Perna, originally conceived in Mexico City and later formed in New York. The group emerged from the vibrant Daptone scene, sharing roots and members with bands like the Soul Providers (later the Dap-Kings) and TV on the Radio. Their first performance took place in Harlem in May 1998, and the band quickly established a reputation for energetic live shows and a commitment to alternative venues, community spaces, and progressive causes. By 2000, Antibalas released their debut album 'Liberation Afrobeat Vol. 1,' followed by extensive touring in the US and Europe, and subsequent albums such as 'Talkatif' and 'Who Is This America?' solidified their place as leaders of the modern afrobeat movement.
Antibalas's musical style is deeply rooted in the afrobeat tradition pioneered by Fela Kuti, blending complex polyrhythms, horn-driven arrangements, and socially conscious lyrics. The band's sound also incorporates influences from Latin funk, jazz, and soul, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of its members and the multicultural environment of Brooklyn. Over the years, Antibalas has collaborated with a wide array of artists and contributed to Grammy-winning projects, while members have participated in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical 'FELA!'. Their 2020 album 'Fu Chronicles,' inspired by martial arts and composed by longtime vocalist Amayo, was nominated for a Grammy for Best World Music Album.
Antibalas is recognized for its role in revitalizing afrobeat in the United States and beyond, serving as a bridge between generations and genres. The group has inspired countless musicians and bands, both through its recordings and its dynamic live performances, and continues to evolve with new music and international tours. Their legacy is marked by a commitment to artistic collaboration, community engagement, and the enduring power of afrobeat as a vehicle for social change.
Fun Facts
- The name 'Antibalas' means 'bulletproof' or 'anti-bullets' in Spanish.
- The band's first year of performances was exclusively in alternative spaces—lofts, parks, and art centers—eschewing commercial venues.
- Antibalas members helped launch Daptone Records, which became a hub for modern soul and afrobeat in Brooklyn.
- The band played for inmates at Rikers Island prison, reflecting their commitment to social engagement.
Members
- Martin Perna - original (from 1998)
- Duke Amayo (from 1999-10-17 until 2021-11-05)
- Fernando "Boogaloo" Velez (from 1999 until 2006)
- Amayo (from 1999 until 2021-11)
- Victor Axelrod (from 1999)
- Marcus Farrar (from 2005)
- Miles Francis (from 2010 until 2016)
- Reinaldo DeJesus (from 2010)
- Morgan Price (from 2012)
- Michael Pallas - trombone (from 2021-06-01)
- Stuart Bogie
- Binky Griptite
- Michael Herbst
- Timothy J Allen
- Aaron Johnson
- Raja Kassis - guitar
- Chico Mann
- Jordan McLean
- Michael Pallas - trombone
- Kevin Raczka
- Todd Simon
- Phil Ballman
- Luke O’Malley
- Del Stribling
Original Members
- Martin Perna - original
- Victor Axelrod
- Marcus Farrar
- Reinaldo DeJesus
- Morgan Price
- Michael Pallas - trombone
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Fela Kuti - Primary stylistic and philosophical influence; Antibalas's music is modeled after Fela's afrobeat sound and political messaging. (Entire discography; especially referenced in 'Liberation Afrobeat Vol. 1' and 'Who Is This America?') [1997–present]
- Eddie Palmieri - Influence from NYC Latin funk grooves, shaping Antibalas's early sound. (Early compositions and arrangements) [1997–early 2000s]
Key Collaborators
- Martín Perna - Founder and multi-instrumentalist; principal composer and bandleader. (All albums; ongoing leadership) [1997–present]
- Duke Amayo - Lead vocalist and composer; joined early and shaped band's identity, especially on 'Fu Chronicles.' ('Fu Chronicles', 'Who Is This America?', 'Security') [1999–2021]
- Gabriel Roth (Bosco Mann) - Original member, producer, and key figure in Daptone scene. (Early albums, Daptone collaborations) [1997–early 2000s]
- Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings - Frequent collaborators; shared members and joint performances. (Daptone Super Soul Revue, various live shows) [2003–2014]
- Aaron Johnson, Stuart Bogie, Jordan McLean - Band members who served as musical directors and performers for Broadway's 'FELA!' ('FELA!' musical) [2007–2012]
Artists Influenced
- TV on the Radio - Shared origins and creative space; members collaborated and inspired each other's early work. (Early demos, mutual influence in Williamsburg loft) [Late 1990s–early 2000s]
- Dap-Kings - Shared members and studio space; mutual influence in developing the Brooklyn soul and afrobeat scene. (Daptone Super Soul Revue, various collaborations) [1997–present]
- Mark Ronson - Antibalas horn section featured on Grammy-winning albums, influencing Ronson's sound. (Mark Ronson albums (horn section)) [2010s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Antibalas | 2012-08-07 | Album |
| Government Magic | 2011-04-29 | Album |
| Talkatif | 2002-03-25 | Album |
| Liberation Afro Beat Vol.1 | 2001-04-09 | Album |
| Lorenzo 2015 CC. | 2015-02-24 | Album |
| Who Is This America? | 2010-08-17 | Album |
| Fu Chronicles | 2020-02-07 | Album |
| Security | 2007-03-06 | Album |
| Zigzagger | 2016-09-02 | Album |
| Hourglass | 2025-10-24 | Album |
| DJ-Kicks (Mr. Scruff) [DJ Mix] | 2020-03-27 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Dirty Money (Antibalas)
- Go Je Je (Government Magic)
- Gabes New Joint (Talkatif)
- International Love Affair - Edit (Keleketla!)
- Dub Je Je (Government Magic)
- Gracias (Luces Fantasma)
- Tattletale, Pt. 2 (Daptone Records Singles Collection: Volume 5)
- Che Che Cole (Government Magic)
- La Ceiba
- International Love Affair - Edit
External Links
Tags: #afrobeat, #funk
References
Heard on WWOZ
Antibalas has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 25, 2025 | 22:17 | Dirty Moneyfrom Daptone Gold II | Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady | |
| Nov 11, 2025 | 08:09 | La Ceibafrom La Ceiba | The Morning Setw/ Fox Duhon or Mark LaMaire |