Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band

Chopteeth is a 14-piece Afrofunk orchestra exploring the common groove between the funkiest, most hip-shakin’ West African and American popular music.

Chopteeth’s sound is a spicy stew of modern jazz, West African traditional music and burning, James Brown-inspired rhythms. The band has electrified dance audiences in the Washington, DC and Baltimore region since 2004.

The Washington Post described Chopteeth “a sensation” and “one of DC’s funkiest bands.” Chopteeth was featured on National Public Radio’s Weekend Edition for its “afrofunk with lunatic energy,” while Baltimore Magazine raved about Chopteeth’s “epic live shows.”

The band’s debut CD was released in September 2008 and met with international critical acclaim: “thunderous and potent” (Billboard Magazine); “wonderfully fresh” (All Music Guide); “socially conscious and raucous” (All About Jazz).

In February 2009, the Washington Area Music Association awarded Chopteeth its Artist of the Year Wammie Award as well as Wammie Awards for Best World Music Group, Best World Music CD and Best Debut CD.

Chopteeth appears regularly at many of the top area music venues and festivals including The Kennedy Center, Strathmore, The 9:30 Club, The Black Cat and many others.