Reviews, various sources >>
"Fronted by guitarist and singer Michael Shereikis, the 13-piece group is a storming powerhouse of big-band African funk rooted in the music of the Nigerian bandleader Fela Kuti. Playing a mix of music by Kuti as well as originals, Chopteeth was smart, tight and relentlessly driving -- and with a horn section led by the searing-hot trumpeter Justine Miller, a definite don't-miss."
—The Washington Post, 2007
"Their set was the high point of a beautifully eclectic evening—kudos to the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival for espousing a "jazz without borders" mentality".
—Washington City Paper
"One of the area’s funkiest bands…only the most determined stoics will be able to resist the grooves conjured up by Chopteeth."
—The Washington Post
“Funk, Rhumba, Ska--this band will keep you moving... Chopteeth is making its mark on the area’s music scene. Sheer energy, dynamic beats, and call and response vocals—a powerhouse performance. Mesmerizing.”
—The Music Center at Strathmore
“It was the first time I've heard all of you, and it was amazing—seriously some of the best funk I've heard in a long while. I'm hooked, I'm a fan. I live out of town, but I'll be coming in to catch some more shows soon. Thanks for the great music!”
—Email from Nick, new Chopteeth fan
“Righteous rhythms... The area's only 14-piece Afro-funk orchestra. The group doesn't focus on just one sound, getting down with classic Fela Kuti-inspired Afrobeat, Ghanaian funk, classic Jamaican ska and even some extra chunky James Brown classics. Be ready to dance, but know that you might have to share some floor space with members of the band."
—The Washington Post, 2006
I went to see Konono last night at The Black Cat, but thank Heaven I got there in time to see you all from the start. I had so much fun at that show, I can't even say. I danced the most at one time since I last saw Ozomatli. There's an idea—man, you two bands doing a show would put people in the hospital!
—Email from Doug, new Chopteeth fan
"Dance music with bite...Emerged to bring back the funk and introduce the community to a new sound."
—The Silver Spring Voice
"Audiences went crazy over their music, a barrage of sound and movement that compels everyone to dance. The energized musicians feed off each other and the audience gyrating on the dance floor."
—The Washington Examiner
“We went to your show last night after seeing flyers for the performance and thinking it sounded interesting. Although given that I'm 48 and haven't gone dancing in a million years, my body aches all over today because I just couldn't stop dancing last night! I definitely want to see you again and bring friends. Thanks for an incredibly fun evening!”
—Email from an exhausted Chopteeth fan
“A hip-shakin’, gotta-party, afrofunk sensation.”
—Washington City Paper
Voted "Best Local Band" in 2007 by readers of The Silver Spring Voice and The Takoma Park Voice.
“A musical extravaganza of West African music, American Funk and Afrobeat…an eclectic and upbeat mix.”
—DCist
"The band blends Yoruba tribal music, West African and American pop along with a little rhumba and jazz for a unique musical experience."
—The Washington Times
"Fabulous... DC's own Afrobeat Orchestra!"
—Suzette Gardiner, WPFW 89.3 FM, host of the "Africa Meets Africa" show
"If music is the weapon of the future, then Chopteeth are true soldiers, for they hold the fort for African music in the DC metro area. Thanks for being part of the Em-Path magazine launch".
—Tivere Ekpere, Publisher, Em-Path magazine
"Chopteeth brought a new level of energy to our outdoor Field Stage. Great musicianship and worldbeat rhythms had our audience dancing, smiling, and singing along. We would love to have Chopteeth back on the stage for our next festival."
—Pam Larson, The Takoma Park Folk Festival
Nominated for “Best Local Band” by viewers of WUSA, the CBS affiliate for Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better band to help us celebrate our organization’s 10 year anniversary! They are fun, festive, and full of soul—and on top of that, their music is out of this world! We watched our friends, colleagues, staff and supporters dance the night away in unrestrained joy. Chopteeth made our event a night to remember—we can’t wait to party with them again.”
—Katie Redford, Director, EarthRights International
“I was amazed—I didn’t know Chopteeth could possibly be THAT good! Everyone I talked to was blown away by you guys, asked who you were, and was surprised that you were a DC area band. I was dancing almost every moment you were on stage. We raised a lot of money for a good cause that night. You made a lot of people happy. We will definitely keep you in mind for our next event. P.S. Is the dancing that funky at your regular gig in Silver Spring?”
—Kenneth Mayer, Chair, DC Chapter, Billionaires for Bush Organizer of the 2004 Counter-Inaugural (protest) Ball
“Chopteeth stirs a luscious stew of Afrofunk…”
—The Takoma Voice
11/01/08
