Beasts of No Nation – a long-running annual event paying tribute to the legends of Afrobeat and Highlife – returns on Saturday 21 October at Max Watts with PBS DJ Mike Gurrieri. The 2023 edition features Melbourne’s own The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra alongside genuine musical icon and founding father of Highlife, Ghanaian guitarist Ebo Taylor.
A prolific guitarist, vocalist and composer whose career began in 1950s Ghana, 87-year-old Taylor shows no signs of stopping, having recorded and toured consistently for over 6 decades. In that time, he’s collaborated with Fela Kuti, influenced countless artists, and helped shape the Afrobeat sound as we know it today.
The 17-piece Public Opinion Afro Orchestra comprises some of Melbourne’s finest musicians and most powerful MCs, bringing a potent mix of West African grooves and contemporary African funk to the dancefloor while remaining ever-faithful to the message of Afrobeat.
The long-awaited Australian debut of a true living legend alongside Australia’s finest Afrobeat ensemble is one of the must-see events of MIJF 2023.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Sat Oct 21 Max Watts
Proudly presented by PBS 106.7 FM and Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
