Chicago Afrobeat Project is a seven- to 14-piece world music ensemble with influences including afrobeat, hip hop, funk, jazz, jùjú music, and rock The group began their journey in a loft at 657 West Lake Street in 2002. They released their album Chicago Afrobeat Project in 2005. Subsequent releases include (A) Move to Silent Unrest (2007), Off the Grid EP (2009), and Nyash UP! (2013). The ensemble has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Best African Artist award from the Chicago Music Awards from 2006 to 2012 and the Best International/World Music Act from Chicago Reader's Best of Chicago in 2013 and 2014. In 2014, they collaborated with Fela Kuti's original drummer Tony Allen for performances and recording sessions at Fullerton Recording Studios and the resulting work was featured on their album What Goes Up in 2017.
