The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, Cactus Channel, Dereb the Ambassador and The Shaolin Afronauts

THE PUBLIC OPINION AFRO ORCHESTRA
Inspired by the infectious afro-beat music of Nigeria and its neighbours, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra delivers a homespun version of contemporary African funk. This mammoth ensemble comprises seventeen musicians hand-picked from Melbourne’s music scene.

With the afro-beat movement of the 60’s and 70’s making a worldwide resurgence in live venues and clubs alike, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra’s powerful MCs and tribal rhythms are the modern-day “musical weapon” that Fela Kuti conceived of. Their conscious lyrics and West African grooves are relevant today, while remaining faithful to the message of afro-beat.

THE CACTUS CHANNEL
What began as experimentation, developed into outright insubordination - an out of control funk orchestra with the momentum of a runaway train who could count The Dap Kings’ Tom Brenneck and soul legend Charles Walker as fans.

Their most recent release, Wooden Boy was recorded by the ten-piece, all born in the 90s and raised on the internet. Yet somehow, this astonishing follow-up to last year's rave-reviewed debut, Haptics, sounds like it could have been recorded in the 1970s, or possibly in the distant future.

It's soul music, baby, but not as we know it. The backbeat and the handclaps are still there and the horns still sound. The bass bumps, the organ screams and the guitars still twang, but the singer has left the room. Everything is shades of blue.

This is soul music for the after hours.

DEREB THE AMBASSADOR (ETHIOPIA/AUS)
Dereb Desalegn (aka Dereb the Ambassador) is well known on the streets of Addis Ababa as one of Ethiopia’s most respected singers. Born in Ethiopia, Dereb grew up amongst a family of musicians, completely immersed in his home country’s rich melange of sounds, rhythms and musical styles.

In 2003 Dereb recorded his first solo album Korkorow Yalew from which the hit single Wollo, reached number one on the Ethiopian charts. Dereb has since toured in America, England, Asia, New Zealand and Australia where he currently resides. On arriving in Sydney, Dereb collaborated with producer Tony Buchen, to put together his latest project, assuming the moniker Dereb the Ambassador. The first album under this new title, released in 2011, was recorded using pre-1970’s recording equipment, and is influenced by the warm, funky sounds of great Ethiopian artists from of the 60’s and 70’s.

Having recently returned from a tour of Ethiopia, Dereb and his 8-piece band continue to develop new material and satisfy crowds with their gritty, addictive brand of Ethio-soul. In 2013 the band will be recording their second studio album under the experienced hands of Tony Buchen – up to 10 new original tunes have been slated for this highly anticipated follow-up album.

THE SHAOLIN AFRONAUTS
The mysterious afro-soul of The Shaolin Afronauts first echoed across the dance floors of Australia in late early 2008. Heavily inspired by the sounds of 1970’s West Africa, Ethiopia and the pioneering avant-garde jazz artists of the same period the Shaolin Afronauts draw on the this highly innovative and sometimes volatile era in music, using it as inspiration to create music with the same fire and intensity. Their spirited performances have fast gained a reputation as some of the most exciting live shows around.

Originally conceived as a side project for members of The Transatlantics the Afronauts have quickly grown into one of the most exciting bands in the country, captivating listeners with their fully instrumental original Afrobeat sound. The key to the Shaolin Afronauts unique sound is the line-up, which comprises of a three-piece horn section, 5-piece rhythm section and three percussionists. There is a raw and uninhibited sense of excitement that comes with this many musicians performing onstage and the Afronauts experience is one that truly translates with listeners.


This is an 18+ event

All events at The Hi-Fi are OVER 18 ONLY unless otherwise stated. Patrons under the age of 18 years old will not be admitted UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Please contact The Hi-Fi on 1300THEHIFI if you have any queries.

Feedback/Comments