Zap Mama is coming tonight to the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage. The group combines afro-pop music and polyphonic layering with a myriad of influences from other musical genres.
Zap Mama is coming tonight to the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage. The group combines afro-pop music and polyphonic layering with a myriad of influences from other musical genres. The event is being presented by the Modlin Center for the Arts at the University of Richmond.
Zap Mama has been active since 1991 and is signed to Luaka Bop, the label owned by Talking Heads lead singer David Byrne. The group’s sophomore release, Adventures in Afropea, was released by the label in 20 countries and hit No. 1 on Billboard’s world music chart.
Marie Daulne, the leader of the group, essentially is Zap Mama. She is a Belgian-Congolese vocalist who according to Intermix.org.uk wishes “to be a bridge between two cultures.”
Joining her tonight is Brooklyn’s Antibalas, who will perform their own songs as well as back Marie Daulne, serving as members of Zap Mama. Antibalas is an 11-member afro-beat ensemble that features traditional drumming from Cuba and West Africa.
The group served as the musical directors and house band for the Broadway hit Fela!, based on the life of afro-pop legend Fela Kuti, after writing some original music for the show. They’re signed to Brooklyn-based label Daptone Records.
In the description for their NPR Tiny Desk Concert, Bob Boilen wrote, “If they come to your town, drop what you’re doing and go see them. Wear dancing shoes.”
Check out Zap Mama tonight at the Carpenter Theatre. Doors open at 7:30, and you can pick up advance tickets here.
