Mexico 68 Afrobeat Orchestra – Soon Dem Come
First got a chance to see Los Angeles’ Mexico 68 Afrobeat Orchestra at Miles Tackett’s record release last Summer. I was immediately impressed with their mastery of the original sound, pioneered by Fela Kuti, and the occasional stylistic and rhythmic additions from Afro-latin music. A year later, and the group has released their debut album, featuring five original compositions. “Soon Dem Come” highlights the personal style of the group, with that indestructible afrobeat rhythm and politically charged lyrics in both Spanish and English. Keep your fingers crossed that we’ll be able to bring them into KPFK later this year, though I don’t know how or where we’ll fit all 13 musicians in the group!