now playing Big Fela d'd'n' (Bywater)

to hear the full track
click here

for 300dpi image click here

 

a loving tribute to the genius of Afrobeat

The ferocious power of  Anikulapo Fela Kuti comes alive in this stellar band

  
 
Big Fela have been pumping out the hits of Fela Kuti, plus our own choice cuts in the style, since 2004.

Led by Phil Bywater's fiery saxophone and vocals, and including past and present members of Bomba, Labjacd, The Royal Swazi Spa, Oxo Cubans and Des Peres. We have been fortunate to collaborate with many of Australia's finest African musicians,including King Marong (St Kilda Global Garden Festival), Kojo Awusu, Joe Malatji and Lamine Sonko, and to perform at festivals from St Kilda to Mornington, Federation Square to Fitzroy!
 

one of Melbourne's most exciting rising stars of world music the awesome Big Fela band
Port Phillip Online, March 2005
Fela Kuti comes alive in this stellar band featuring
some of Melbourne's most exciting world music players
in the sweaty and powerful Big Fela band
baropen.com
Big FELA led by Phil Bywater and comprising
Australia's finest horn section,
this group plays the most authentic afro beat sound
you will hear in this country
 rastainoz.com

The sounds of THE MAN Fela Kuti
are up loud and close in this outfit's set
have the passion for the sound
systa bb, pbsfm
serious groove...
jazzonthestreet.com
BIG FELA:
playing the music of
FELA KUTI

 

Musician, freedom fighter, rebel, iconoclast, visionary legend,
he was the scourge of military governments in Nigeria for thirty years.
His mesmeric grooves release a deep primal energy
and seem to last for days.

Zombie
Colonial Mentality
No Agreement
Just Like That
Eko Ile
Roforofo Fight
and more...

 

Big Fela brings together some of Australia's finest musicians
in one power-packed ensemble:

Phil Bywater vocals, tenor saxophone
Adam Simmons baritone saxophone
Paul Coyle trumpet
Kynan Robinson trombone
Elliott Folvig, Simon Edwards guitars
Zvi Belling bass
Ronny Ferella drums
Tania Bosak, Karen Berger percussion


Our recent gigs include:

St Kilda Festival
February 07

Federation Square Outdoor Stage
May 06

Lebowski's
Feb 06

Melbourne Jazz Fringe Festival
May 05

Bar Open May, July 04, April 05

The Night Cat Aug/Sept 04

Mornington Festival Oct 04

Globe to Globe Music Festival Jan 05

Lebowski's Feb 05

Big Fela entertains the crowd at
St Kilda Festival's World Music stage, February 07