Chopteeth celebrates release of debut CD at the Black Cat

It’s party time: The release of Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band’s debut CD is a signal for fans to congregate Saturday night at The Black Cat. Propelled by the funky, 14-piece orchestra, the audience will execute dynamic, hip-shaking moves in step with its driving horns, wicked rhythms and spirited grooves.

Since its founding in 2004, the extratraditional band has kept fans gyrating to a repertoire derived from the popular 1970s Nigerian musician Fela Kuti. The eclectic songs reflect Yoruba tribal music and African pop stirred to a fare-thee-well with dollops of Ghanaian funk, Senegalese rumba, Jamaican ska and a fistful of James Brown sass.