after hitting one of lunchbox theory‘s trill 1st-of-the-month afrobeat parties, i have a newfound appreciation for this genre i’m just getting familiar with. why would i tell you what it is when wikipedia can do a more thorough job!?

Afrobeat is a combination of Yoruba music, jazz, highlife, and funk rhythms, fused with percussion and vocal styles, popularized in Africa in the 1970s. Its main creator was the Nigerian multi-instrumentalist and bandleader Fela Kuti who used it to revolutionise musical structure as well as the political context in his native Nigeria. It was Kuti who coined the term “afrobeat” upon his return from a U.S. tour with his group Nigeria 70 (formerly Koola Lobitos).

yep, pioneered with my nigerian kinfolk, of course. so DJ underdog and the beautiful girls of lunchbox theory decided to promote this awesome party with a monthly mixtape series consisting of the illest afrobeat sounds. perhaps the greatest part about this mix is that it was all done live, on vinyl as opposed to serato, so you can hear those authentic clicks and pops that i have no idea about cuz i’m from the new millennium.

it’s been in constant rotation in my household (meaning my mother has it in her possession too) since the lunchbox theory vegan / BYOE bbq last weekend, which was the highlight of the summer. who woulda thought i’d survive with no burgers!? anyway, enjoy the sample, and download below.

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DOWNLOAD: Africa Plays On [Mixtape]

1. Fela Kuti – Ako (K Civ Edit) 12″
2. MAW Fea Wunmi – Ekabo
3. Toure Kunda – Saf Sap
4. Carl Craig – Kilode Remix
5. Erykah Badu & Ziggy Marley – In Love With You (Tony Allen Remix)
6. Tidjani Kone – Djanka Magni
7. Yosaku – Mirandolina
8. Yosaku – Atoa Atoa
9. George Benson – The Ghetto (Brasil RMX)
10. Black President – K Civ
11. Nigerian Stepn Octet – Give Thanks
12. Chin Chin – The Section
13. Osibisa – Music For Gong Gong
14. Goapele & Lagos United – Michael Joseph Jackson Gulla Mix

shout out to every other area blog that put this up, from upset the setup to DC mambo sauce to DC rap, and whoever else did. respect. also, underdog has a trill health blog that my man over from upset the set up put me on to! check it out here.