Antibalas, a Brooklyn-based musical collective, was founded in 1997 by Martín Perna, with members from the Soul Providers/Dap Kings band. The group debuted in May 1998 and soon after, Amayo, a Lagos native and afrobeat enthusiast, joined as lead vocalist. Initially performing in alternative spaces, they gained a residency at NoMoore in Tribeca, expanding their repertoire with three long sets every week.

In 2000, they released their first album, Liberation Afrobeat Vol. 1, and began touring internationally, playing major festivals like Glastonbury and Montreux. Following their 2003 album Who Is This America?, Antibalas and the Dap Kings pursued separate paths but later reunited for the 2014 Daptone Super Soul Revue.

The band was heavily involved in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical FELA! from 2007 to 2012. In 2011, they recorded the self-titled Antibalas album, followed by Where the Gods Are in Peace (2017) and Fu Chronicles (2020), the latter nominated for a Grammy. Despite the pandemic halting their tour, they regrouped in 2021 to compose new music and continue performing. The Antibalas horn section has contributed to Grammy-winning albums and worked with artists like The Roots, My Morning Jacket, and Alabama Shakes. Many former members have gone on to perform with notable acts such as Arcade Fire and Iron and Wine.