Tony Allen @ Middle East Downstairs June 15, 2010

Legend has it that when Nigerian drummer Tony Allen quit the band of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, it took four percussionists to replace him. Brian Eno called Allen, "perhaps the greatest drummer who has ever lived." Kuti said that "without Tony Allen, there would be no Afrobeat." Allen recorded over 30 albums with Kuti and his group, Africa '70, and today remains a restless and potent trail blazer for new African musical adventures. He is touring with a 10-piece band in support of his new recording, Secret Agent, a majestic slice of hardcore roots Afrobeat due out this April on Nonesuch.

Uhuru Afrika, the opener, is an energetic and spirited multi-sensory experience in African music. Blending driving African percussion by Sidy Maiga with the hottest sound samples from around the Diaspora, DJs Adam Gibbons & Max Pela create a contagious dance floor explosion.