Still Black, Still Proud

IMN representation: North America

Visit website

Discovering the points at which African and American music strike sparks off each other, Pee Wee Ellis and a host of stars including Maceo Parker, Vusi Mahlasela, and Cheikh Lo bring James Brown’s revolutionary music full circle in this innovative, rhythm fueled tribute of Afro-funk. As much as the music of Africa influenced Brown’s style, he likewise inspired an entire generation of African artists. Brown’s music was immensely popular, deeply felt and vastly influential in Africa; “Even in the deep bush, the villages, people knew about James Brown,” says Vieux Farka Touré.

Still Black, Still Proud celebrates Brown’s lasting legacy while exploring the deep relationship between soul, funk and modern African music. Pee Wee Ellis says, “Since the beat came from Africa, we wanted to bring it back by way of combining funk with some African rhythms.” Artists from the U.S. and Africa join together in a show that The Boston Globe dubs, “a pancontinental funk-soul supergroup,” and All About Jazz proclaims simply, “explosive.”

Since 2008, Still Black, Still Proud has toured the UK, Europe, and North America – performing in front of sold-out audiences to rave reviews. Previous guest artists include Fred Wesley, Vieux Farka Touré, Tony Allen, and Angelique Kidjo.

Jump to page:
Din Don Dan LIVE 1:14 Still Black, Still Proud
Say It Loud LIVE 1:02 Still Black, Still Proud
Funky Good Time LIVE 0:50 Still Black, Still Proud
[+] open in new window

REVIEWS

By its title alone, Still Black, Still Proud not only honors James Brown, but references a specific aspect and time period in his multifaceted body of work. It recalls the political, even revolutionary Brown, whose music was a virtual soundtrack to the breakthrough of black consciousness in American culture.
The Boston Globe

Primally explosive funk
The Independent

What made the show so special was the abundant collective energy emanating from these highly skilled purveyors of pleasure and the old theory of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts being true…A legacy that stretches back beyond the landmark of spirituals and gospel to Africa, vocally, rhythmically and harmonically-Funk has come full circle.
Blues & Soul Magazine