Afrotronic comes together for TU's anniversary celebration

By Cheryl Robbins

TU has booked Afrotronic-one of the most novel bands to hit Taipei in a long while-to play every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night until the third week in November. The band was formed exclusively to kick off TU's 11th anniversary celebration and make it even more exciting.

Afrotronic' repertoire includes a mix of jazz, soul, pop, funk, R & B and hip-hop. Currently, they play mostly covers, but look to Afrontronic to slip in some original numbers, especially when they feel a good vibe from the crowd.

Ernesta Dunbar, vocalist and percussionist, has an extensive musical background. She started singing at a young age, as her grandparents, parents and siblings are all musicians. In the late 1980's, she released a hit record in the U.S. and since then has been performing in Asia, mostly in Singapore. With her rich experience, she is able to interpret music in a style that is comfortably her own and thoroughly enjoyable to the audience. TU's popular DJ, Vincent Shih, keeps the beat danceable while Jimmy, from Malaysia, plays sax adding a rich melancholy depending on the piece. The really amazing performance comes from Amir, percussionist from Malaysia. When he takes the spotlight, beating the drums with his hands, you'll feel his passion.

Those who have seen Afrotronic in action have nothing but good things to say. Ernesta responds, "We hope and pray that the audience will continue to be accepting. That's why we do so much research beforehand. We find out what people like in the club, including the play lists. We work closely with Vincent in that area."

According to Vincent, people who come to TU like hip-hop, R & B, 80's funk and 70's disco. His job is to help determine the music Ernesta, Jimmy and Amir play, and then find the beats to match.

Afrotronic works hard to create a fun and memorable time for its audience-so make a date to join the anniversary celebration at TU. You'll have a great time!