Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra is a diverse, 10+ piece ensemble including a full horn line, a powerhouse rhythm section, lots of percussion, and soulful vocals from Preach Freedom (One World Tribe) and Sara Rodriguez (Saranaide).
Afrobeat is a West African music genre that blends West African rhythms with American jazz, funk, and soul. Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra, or BAO, pays homage to the past and present legends of the genre, including Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, and Ebo Taylor. The band also recognizes American musicians who carry the spirit of Afrobeat’s heavy groove and political messaging in their music, such as James Brown and Earth Wind and Fire.
“It is through Fela Kuti I was able to return to the roots of my culture, conversely Baba Fela reminded me that I am equipped with the most powerful weapon of the future. Music became not just my love, but my duty to raise the frequency of humanity.”
-Naheem Shabazz, trombone
Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra will be playing on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, November 27th) at Buffalo Iron Works. BAO’s Buffalo shows have been few and far between since the 2020 COVID pandemic, but the band is back and better than ever.
Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra features a rotating cast of musicians from the Buffalo, Jamestown, and Erie, PA regions. The rhythm section features Ed Handman (Outer Circle Orchestra) on guitar, Rodney Chamberlain (The Rockaz) on bass, Reggie Evans and Damone Jackson (The Damone Jackson Outcome) on drums, Steve Davis (Miller and the Other Sinners) on keys, and Ringo Brill on percussion.
The horn section features Ellen Pieroni (The Encyclopedia of Soul) on alto and tenor saxophone, Naheem Shabazz and Emilio Virella (Black Den Movement) on trombone and trumpet respectively, Kyle Gustafson on trumpet, and Steve Baczkowski, fresh off his tour with Antibalas, on baritone saxophone.
“When we’re together, it feels like we’re the Avengers. A supergroup of Buffalo’s best ready to take on the world with/through music.”
-Sara Rodriguez, vocals
BAO is revitalizing Afrobeat music in Western New York and beyond. Afrobeat, with its heavy rhythm, trance-like groove, powerful melodies, and cutting lyrics, is an incredibly moving music that is sure to get YOU moving!
"Music is the weapon. Music is the weapon of the future"
-Fela Kuti
Event details:
Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra at Buffalo Iron Works
Wednesday, November 27th | Doors: 7:00 PM | Show: 8:00 PM
Buffalo Iron Works (49 Illinois Street, Buffalo, NY 14203)
$20 Advance Purchase | $25 Day of Show | 18+
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