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.
Guitarist Michael Shereikis has been with Chopteeth since its founding. He developed his African guitar styles while stationed in the Central African Republic as a Peace Corps volunteer. Returning to Washington, he helped round up the current personnel from professional musicians fascinated by Afro-funk. All are active in other musical configurations, but they come together several times a month to perform at places like the Kennedy Center, the 9:30 Club and the upcoming Duke Ellington Festival on Oct. 3.
Kenyan native Anna Mwalagho and other band members vocalize in eight languages. For this occasion, the show opens with Farafina Kan, the West African drumming and dance orchestra. Cheick Hamala Diabate, Grammy-nominated ngoni player and griot, will add to the festivities, along with Head-Roc, mayor of D.C. hip-hop. Both added their own kind of zest to the CD.
“We waited to cut our first recording until we could add some original pieces to our repertoire,” Shereikis says. “It was like asking a grad student how his dissertation is going. We wanted everyone to like it, so we held off until we were sure of positive reactions. This old big-band style out of the Congo and West Africa is recognized by everyone on the dance floor.
“Of the 10 tracks, seven are brand-new. Two of the songs come from Ghana, another is based on old Ethiopian tunes, and many have unusual time signatures. It’s hard to choose the most unique because there’s such a big range of music. ‘Struggle’ has a hard-hitting Afro beat, and ‘Upendo’ is written in a major key with boppin’ vibes and a riff on an ancient Malian tune.”
The name Chopteeth, taken directly from one of Fela Kuti’s songs, means someone who eats his own teeth. In other words, he’s crazy. This is how the band members felt when they first got together, uncertain that the style would appeal to others. Time and audience reaction have proved their fear unwarranted.
“When we’re on stage with the crowd reacting, the band is relaxed and having a good time dancing around,” Shereikis says. “That camaraderie helps to get across the message in ‘Struggle’ and “Weigh Your Blessings,’ a couple of our more serious songs. In the eyes of others, we’re from a privileged background, so we need to look at the broader perspective and not forget the many in the world who need our help.”
