(Amaechi in Action!) 

The Diggin In The Crates is a 10 part series (don’t worry we’ll keep it short) aimed at giving some behind the scenes information on origins, influences and wéré(madness or insanity- depending on your perspective) of BANTU. 

We’ll kick it off with our 2nd release (why abide to rules?) “Fire Inna Dancehall”. The tune was inspired by a U-Roy track that my brother Abiodun (aka Don Abi) & I remember listening to as teenagers during Sunday chores-Our dad was an enthusiastic home DJ. 

It was recorded live with the Schäl Sick Brass Band from Cologne, Germany. “Fire Inna Dancehall” features yours truly AdeBantu, Abiodun, Amaechi and Patrice.

It was a radio favorite in Nigeria (it actually earned us our second radio charts entry -after our debut single “Nzogbu”). 

Turn up your Soundsystem and time travel with us:

http://soundcloud.com/bantucrew/fire-inna-dancehall 

Backstage during Felabration 2011. It was fun hanging around friends and fellow artists. The vibe is always exceptionally positive no ego tripping we just celebrating the man himself FELA. The shrine crowd is something else they party hard -taking no prisoners stylee. I’ll be posting some shots of our show later in the week. 

Bantu “African Border”  This timeless piece was recorded 10yrs ago. This song and many other will be featured on the upcoming “Bantu Classics” (collectors edition CD set).

Watch out for more details. 

……….the guests were again treated to musical performances by German-Nigerian maverick singer, Ade Bantu and his band. Bantu, who first played three hot numbers, Ile Ona Jin, Listen Attentively and Lagos, succeeded in drawing a handful of guests to the dancing floor. He also admonished corrupt politicians through his lyrics, urging them to turn in a new leaf after the coming general elections.

Also veteran highlife meastro, Fatai Rolling Dollar thrilled with several numbers, including his hit Won Kere si Number Wa, to which the crowd mimed and danced. The octogenarian expectedly demonstrated his skills through dancing and stagecraft. Returning to stage after Dollar was Nkechinyere Chinazaekpere Mbakwe, better known as Chinaza, who rendered Take am Easy and other romantic numbers in sweet melodic voice.
Meanwhile, Afrobeat icon, Orlando Julius Ekemode (OJ), sent the crowd partying with his two popular numbers, Jagua Nana and Ijo Soul. He was in company of his wife Latoya and his performance proved to the audience that he is indeed a master of his art.

Images from the Bantu & legends Lagos concert (25.03.2011). The show featured highlife legends Fatai Rolling Dollar & Orlando Julius. Jazz lady- Chinaza & Afrosoulstar Abiodun.

Panthropos (“all peoples”) joins together Danny Glover, Brothers Keepers, and international hip hop luminaries from New York, Berlin, and London to celebrate global interdependence, multiculturalism, peace, nonviolence and tolerance.

WHEN: September 10, 2010. Doors open at 7:30 pm.
 
WHERE: Café Global, Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin, Germany

PERFORMERS:

USA: Danny Glover and Brotherhood-SisterSol with live video message with Harry Belafonte
Germany: D-Flame, Bantu, Tyron Ricketts, QuietStorm, Nosliw, Ono, General Snipe, Abiodun, Fetsum
UK: David J, MC Xander

TICKET PRICE:    FREE (suggested donation of 10€)

Exclusive preview of “Celebration” a song written by my brother and Bantu co-founder Abiodun (formally known as Don Abi) for the Fifa 2010 World Cup. Great tune! What more can i say -Pass the word and enjoy while you watch your favorite team do their thing.

I Just got back from a memorial concert in honor of Alberto Adriano, a 39 year old Mozambican father of 3 who was murdered in Dessau by skinheads 10 years ago. It was a sobering experience revisiting the scene of Adriano’s murder i had hoped things would have changed for the better in this provincial town that has gained a notorious reputation for tuning a blind eye on racism but i was to be proven dead wrong; for Dessau has deliberately refused to address Adriano’s murder, there is a conspiracy of silence, city officials are in a state of denial, the majority of the her residents want this “dark” chapter closed, buried and forgotten.