After a career traveling the world as a spokesperson for a company hit hard by numerous political and social upheavals, Antibalas today celebrates its 20th anniversary with a complete return to its roots. Pre-gentrified Williamsburg serves as the backdrop for Fu Chronicles, which takes us back to the time when the 12-member afrobeat ensemble Antibalas and the venerable soul label Daptone Records were born in Duke Amayo's kung fu dojo. Master of the Jow Ga Kung Fu martial arts school, singer Duke Amayo, accompanied by baritone saxophonist and Antibalas founder Martín Perna, guides listeners on an epic journey where kung fu ingeniously intersects with afrobeat. The album opens with "Amenawon," dedicated to Amayo's late mother, with water as the central theme, symbolizing in kung fu the ability to adapt to a situation. "Lai Lai Lai" is a tribute to the resilience of indigenous Africans and their sustainable practices. Originally composed in 1999 and recorded on tape for the first time, "M.T.T.T.T. Pt. 1 & 2" is a centerpiece of Antibalas's live repertoire that addresses the cause-and-effect relationship and the karmic nature of time. "Fight Am Finish," the anthem for dreamers and activists, encourages never to give up. "Koto" emphasizes resilience and how one can overcome any difficult situation. The fiery 12-member ensemble Antibalas, here augmented by five additional musicians, transforms Amayo's work into hypnotic and invigorating compositions with unique rhythms of resistance.