Sila and the Afrofunk Experience

Ten years later, having relocated to San Francisco, Sila experienced an epiphany during a Baaba Maal concert at The Fillmore.

The band immediately carved out a niche in the Bay Area's World Music scene, establishing a reputation for their dynamic live performances.

In 2004, Sila co-founded the AfroFunk Festival, a showcase for Afro-inspired bands (the proceeds of which benefited humanitarian causes) that evolved into an annual event and tour.

As SF Weekly noted, “Sila's concern with the mission of his lyrics is matched by the power of his grooves, an addictive mix of heavy funk, lively Afrobeat, and sun-soaked island rhythms.” Hailed as one of the Top 5 Afropop albums of the year by NPR, "Black President" won the 2009 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding World Music Album (over better-known artists like Zap Mama and Omou Sangare).

After leaving Fela's Africa 70 band, Allen developed a hybrid sound, deconstructing & fusing Afrobeat with electronica, dub, R&B, and rap.