EMEFE, pronounced “M-F-A,” begins with a strong foundation in traditional Afrobeat, but their musical director, Miles Arntzen, strives to create greater depth and breadth in his compositions. Compounded by the shakes and bangs of an evolving and dynamic percussion section, few further tricks are necessary to engage even the most complacent crowd. It comes down to a matter of swagger, and EMFE serves it up in true Brooklyn fashion. Their Afrobeat aesthetic is characterized by nods to the funk of Prince as well as some aspects of psychedelia and art rock. See them live at Spike Hill when they headline the Deli’s Afrobeat/Funk Stage on Thursday 10.17.
