“In the early days between ’77 and ’81, the parties were very intense. They were always intense---but the feeling that was going on then, I think, was very pure. The energy, the feeling, the feedback that you got from the room, from the people in the room, was very, very special.”
-Frankie Knuckles
AfroSonic has always been more than a party. A genuine love child of The Black Rep, the gathering sought to introduce new sounds to adventurous and discerning souls in divine providence. Not imitation. a deliberate attempt at honoring a very particular sound.
The importance of The Black Rep/Xxodus Cafe in nurturing AfroSonic. The sound that we were introducing required a particular home. A vibe. A sacred institution steeped in the grand tradition of African American musical traditions and their role in bring people together. Liberation sounds. A room conducive to the psychic/spiritual energy required to transform a room full of people needing to get free & “shake that load off.”
The party had it’s moments. Times when we knew we were knew connected to the tradition we were trying to honor. Whether it was the night the NYC cast from Oprah Winfrey’s “The Color Purple” graced our dance floor with love just before Tortured Soul went on for their second Black Rep appearance. From Ron Trent, Ian Friday, King Britt, Jihad Muhammed, The Martinez Brothers, Dj Bruno, Abicah Soul, Rich Medina, beloved Wunmi & many others. AfroSonic has always been a combination of sacred intentions by musical romantics determined to transform your soul for the evening rather than placate & serve up the usual fair. The music is not popular music and there are very few “institutional” outlets in this region that legitimize and or expose the massive to this divine sound & brand of dance music.
So at the present AfroSonic & the mighty collective are nomadic herdsman. Have sound, will travel! We remain dedicated to this music & the idea that it can transform one’s soul & bring people together. We really do believe that a Dj can save your life. So here’s to three years of…… intention…..of spirit…..of courage in the face of great adversity…of unity…..sacred sounds in secular spaces. Here’s to a group of men from very diverse backgrounds making their way towards one another & praying at the same alter via a particular sound. Finally, Here’s to the spirit of the mighty Black Rep, The AfroSonic Collective, AfroSonic & all who remain steadfast in a commitment to give honor to that which honor deserves. This compilation & 3 year celebration is an acknowledgement of our early intentions & past as much as a launch of our bright future & new home Fete.
Ache’
The AfroSonic Collective
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