The musical collective known as Antibalas (Spanish for bullet-proof or anti-bullets) was conceived of in Mexico City and formed in Brooklyn New York by MartÃn Perna in the fall of 1997. The early nucleus of the group was composed of Perna and later included several other members from the Soul Providers / Dap Kings band. They performed their first show in May 1998 at St. Nick's Pub in Harlem at a music and poetry night curated by artist Xaviera Simmons. Over the next 25 years, the group’s personnel would change and the band’s sound would evolve, yet always rooted in a multi-cultural groove. The group has recorded seven albums and are featured on numerous compilations. Antibalas has performed in 35 countries, including Japan and Australia, and throughout New York City, from Carnegie Hall to Central Park Summerstage to the Rikers Island prison facility. Over the years, the group has received guest visits from several musicians from Fela Kuti's Afrika 70 and Egypt 80 bands, including Tony Allen (drums), Femi Kuti (alto sax), Seun Kuti (tenor sax), and many others. The Antibalas horn section has performed on GRAMMY Award-winning albums by Angelique Kidjo, and Mark Ronson and dozens of albums, soundtracks and live guest appearances with artists including The Roots, My Morning Jacket, TV on the Radio, Santigold, Jovanotti, Nneka, Alabama Shakes, The String Cheese Incident and numerous others.