Strange Matter should be filled with dense polyrhythm and dancing when Brooklyn’s EMEFE brings its 10-piece Afrobeat ensemble to town along with the eclectic world fusion of Greensboro, N.C.-based the Brand New Life and locals Rattlemouth. EMEFE was formed by drummer Miles Arntzen of the renowned Antibalas, looking to combine the music of Fela Kuti with American funk, hip-hop and soul, and the group has performed with the likes of Sharon Jones, Tower of Power, Soulive, and Medeski, Martin and Wood. The Brand New Life incorporates a Senegalese griot, talking drummer Mamadou Mbengue, into its adventurous mix of upright bass, horns and hints of Baltimore house music. The sweaty constellation of world-class funksters help prove music is the universal language at Strange Matter on Monday, Jan. 14, at 9 p.m. Tickets are $8. strangematterrva.com.
