Funkadesi
Chicago, Illinois, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
Uncut Roots
(IACA)
Fusing diverse musical strains from the five continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, best describes the music of Funkadesi. The Chicago-based ensemble members have roots in India, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Canada and the U.S. Together the group integrates East Indian music (Hindi film, folk, and classical) with reggae, funk, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, resulting in a total global groove meltdown. Funkadesi is the ideal new millennium party band with a repertoire to please every musical taste. The two time winner of the Chicago Music Awards for Contribution to World Music is still receiving favorable reviews from its 2000 debut CD, Uncut Roots. The production unites wicked reggae and East Indian vocals to backgrounds of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, contemporary funk styles, and rhythms of Indian ragas, among other delicious grooves. Noteworthy tracks include Through We Rasta (a truly reggae roots gem), Aaja (a salsafide dance-friendly track), Laung Gawacha (a funky East Indian jam), and Libation (a world music/hip hop composition). The music of Funkadesi is undoubtedly a taste of the sound of the global village of the future without drum machines and synthesizer gimmicks. It's music that's truly spiritual from the soul for the whole world. (GR)
- Latin Beat Magazine
One of the best live shows that I have been to . . . . I have never seen such an enthusiastic crowd. [Funkadesi band members] have a love for music, not just a particular set of music, but all music. And some how these nine individuals have transformed the way music is now. Funkadesi seems poised as one of Chicago.s shinning gems in the music front.
- India Tribune
Funkadesi is original and vibrant, with a sound that radiates joy and warmth. They bring new meaning to the term world beat. [Their] intoxicating album, Uncut Roots, highlights the intensity and complexity of the music and gives a hint of the kind of energy that they are capable of creating . . . outstanding. I can't recommend this band enough." - Relix Magazine
Our tireless editor has pulled this gem out of Chicago, Illinois for the readers' enlightenment. Heads up, World music fans! Funkadesi is here with their CD "It's About Time." This is World music played by seriously good musicians who do not take themselves too seriously. Thank God! Because Funkadesi knows how to be fun and accessible, while grooving your socks off with their reggae/Bhangra/roots music brew. - Latin Beat Magazine
Discography
Funkadesi (EP, 1998)
Uncut Roots (2000)
It's About Time (2003)
Yo Baba (2008)
Found Lost and Found (expected 2012)
clips currently on www.myspace.com/funkadesimusic
Photos
Bio
FUNKADESI
**Named "Best World Music Group 2012” **
by Chicago Reader ("Best of 2012" Issue)
** Twice Named “Most Outstanding Band” **
by Chicago Music Awards
"This ideal party band . . . also bears messages of togetherness. . . . The rhythms of Indian Ragas and reggae have striking similarities, while the Latin, African and contemporary funk that's spicing this one-sound, many-voices stew fits the all-world melange to a tee. Whatever your background, there's music here for you."
- Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star
Capturing the depth of the promise of multicultural unity through sheer fun and energy is no easy task. Yet with an original vibe (nonetheless inspired by the diverse strains of Bob Marley, Parliament Funkadelic, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan), FUNKADESI fluidly blends Indian music (bhangra, bollywood, folk) with reggae, funk, and Afro-Caribbean grooves. The 6-Time Winner of The Chicago Music Awards, FUNKADESI has been wowing crowds across North America. Funkadesi has been hailed by Time Magazine, and even caught the attention of President Barack Obama, who notes: “Funkadesi really knows how to get the crowd fired up! There's a lot of funk in that desi!”
Funkadesi is proud to represent Chicago, with its diverse multi-ethnic communities within the city. What distinguishes Funkadesi as a group is each band member’s unique and uncompromised cultural/musical contribution merging to create one unifying sound. With their not-to-be-missed live shows and visible racial and musical diversity, the band is ideally suited for festivals, nightclubs, world music concerts, weddings & commitment ceremonies, corporate events, as well children’s programs. Funkadesi’s one-world sound, roots-watering vision, and positive vibe make the band a unique and compelling musical force.
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