EMEFE @ The BAG

See you on the dancefloor!

An inscription on the new EMEFE vinyl reads: "This album is for you — our listeners — thank you for inspiring us to keep moving forward."

EMEFE built a loyal, fervent following since their start as classmates in NYC jazz programs, hungry to revel in the joy of musicmaking together — free of judgment, focused on fun. 15 years later, with band members having played alongside Mark Ronson, David Byrne, The Roots, Sharon Jones, and more, their 2025 album FORWARD proves that mission hasn't changed. Its 10 tracks capture a tight-knit group of longtime friends still locked into that shared musical joy.

"We just flip a switch, and boom, we're locked in — it's a level of connection we don't take for granted," says drummer and producer Miles Francis, who founded the band in 2009 before joining Antibalas and mentoring under Afrobeat legend Tony Allen.

Rooted in Fela Kuti's Afrobeat, EMEFE folded in funk, new wave, and neo-soul to forge a sound all their own — one that nods to the past while pushing forward. From 2012's Good Future to standout "Sun Spat," their horn-led, bass-anchored songs have racked up millions of streams and found their way into school ensembles and marching bands worldwide.

Their live shows remain as cathartic as ever, drawing longtime fans alongside newer listeners discovering them online. "We've been actively motivated by our fans to celebrate what we've built so far and stay true to our path ahead," says bassist Doug Berns. "They are the engine that propels us to keep making new music we're overflowing with excitement about."

Saxophonist Jas Walton adds: "Same as it ever was!"

Dinner is served from 5pm-9pm, so make sure to come early and enjoy some Caribean specials, as well at the Zephyr classics!