New York-based Antibalas were formed in 1998 by musicians from King Changó, the Soul Providers, and the Daktaris. Influenced by Nigerian Afro-beat, American soul, and Latin dance grooves, Antibalas started playing at clubs around New York, hosting a weekend party called Africalia, giving them the opportunity to perform their particular style based on the combination of different cultures immersed in the band. After recording Liberation Afrobeat, the live album, Live in New York! Summer 1999, was released. Liberation Afro Beat, Vol. 1 was issued in early 2001. The group returned to recording in 2004 and issued Who Is This America? on the Rope-a-Dope label, followed by Security on Anti Records in 2007. After extended touring and studio and live collaborations by its various members, Antibalas returned with a self-titled album in the summer of 2012.
from allmusic