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Afrobeta has come a long way from the duo we first caught at venues such as Circa 28 and PS14. (Remember those?) After what seemed like several false starts, the band has finally gotten into a steady stride that saw it drop the 2010 EP Do You Party?, followed by...

By Jose D. Duran

April 26, 2012

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Afrobeta has come a long way from the duo we first caught at venues such as Circa 28 and PS14. (Remember those?) After what seemed like several false starts, the band has finally gotten into a steady stride that saw it drop the 2010 EP Do You Party?, followed by a full-length, Under the Streets, the next year. In 2012, Cuci Amador and Tony Smurphio aren’t showing any signs of slowing, so it’s only fitting that after another successful appearance at Ultra Music Festival, they whip out Wig Party, a mixtape that claims to have been “putting the love on since 1774.” Uh, we don’t know about that, but the ten-track release features remixes, new music, and “borrowed” sounds (and is available as a free download at afrobeta.com). Our favorites include Discotech’s reworking of “Love Is Magic,” which originally appeared on Under the Streets as the album’s closer, seeming lost among the pulsing beats of that offering. Discotech gives the track a dance-floor-ready face-lift while keeping the lighthearted feel of the original. Other highlights include “Virtual Life” — a new cut that is part ballad, part electro-house — and a cover of Devo’s “Whip It.”
Sat., April 28, 11 p.m., 2012

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Jose D. Duran is associate editor of Miami New Times where he primarily oversees the arts and culture and music beats. Jose joined the New Times staff in June 2008 but has been covering Miami culture since 2005. His work has also appeared in publications likeVice, Billboard, and Spin. He’s earned numerous accolades including placing first for Weekly Newspaper Contest: Business Reporting from the Florida Press Association in 2020; placing third for the Writing: Light Feature from the Florida Press Club in 2019; and placing third in Weekly Newspaper Contest: Best Obituary from the Florida Press Association in 2015. Jose holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Florida.

Contact: Jose D. Duran

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Twitter: @jose_d_duran