LAMF 2011

9th London African Music Festival 

9-18 September 2011

             
Hear Africa!    Dance Africa!     Feel Africa!

5 VENUES  

Southbank Centre 


Bloomsbury Theatre 


Stratford Circus 


Jazz Cafe

Upstairs at The Ritzy, Brixton 

UPSTAIRS AT THE RITZY

8.30pm  |  £7 / £6 (cons) / £5 Members  

Tickets:08719025739  |  www.upstairsattheritzy.co.uk

DIABEL CISSOKHO   (Senegal)                         

Saturday 10 September

THABANI (Zimbabwe)


Friday 16th September 



YAABA FUNK (Various)

Saturday 17 September 

JAZZ CAFE

7.30pm | £17.50 / £15.00 (cons)

Tickets: 0207 485 6834 | www.jazzcafe.co.uk 

ETIENNE MBAPPE (Cameroon/France)


Friday 9 September 

TERRAKOTA (Angola/Portugal)

Saturday 10 September 

CLAUDE DEPPA’S HORNS UNLIMITED

Sunday 11 September  

BLOOMSBURY THEATRE

7.30pm | £15.00 / £12.50 (cons)


Tickets: 020 7388 8822  |  www.thebloomsbury.com

SONA JOBARTEH (Gambia/UK) + BUMI THOMAS (UK)

Monday 12 September 

OLA ONABULE (UK)

Tuesday 13 September 

STRATFORD CIRCUS

7.30pm  |  £12.50 / £10.00 (cons)


Tickets: 0844 357 2625  |  www.stratford-circus.com

GRUPO LOKITO (Congo/Cuba) 

Wednesday 14 September

NAIJA GROOVE featuring...
BUKKY LEO, AYINKE MARTINS, DIYA OJO
and KUNLE OLASOJU’S NAIJA RHYTHM ORCHESTRA

Thursday 15 September

SOUTHBANK CENTRE

Tickets: 0844 847 9910  |  www.southbankcentre.co.uk 

DAVID O + LEO MKANYIA (Tanzania)

Friday 16 September | RFH Foyer | 1.30pm | Free 

NAHINI DOUMBIA AND LES ESPOIRS DU MALI

Friday 16 September | Front Room at the Queen Elizabeth Hall | 5.00pm | Free

INESS MEZEL (Algeria/France)

Friday 16 September | Purcell Room | 7.30pm | £17.50/£15.00 (cons)

TIKEN JAH FAKOLY (Ivory Coast)

Friday 16 September | Queen Elizabeth Hall | 9.00pm | £20.00/£17.50 (cons) 

KADIALY KOUYATE AND SOUND ARCHIVE

Saturday 17 September | Front Room at the Queen Elizabeth Hall | 1.00pm | Free

THE VOCAL ENSEMBLE OF AFRICA

Saturday 17 September | Purcell Room | 3.00pm | £15.00/£12.50 (cons)

MARCINA ARNOLD (SOUTH AFRICA/UK)

Saturday 17 September | Front Room at the Queen Elizabeth Hall | 5.30pm | Free

FUNMI OLAWUMI (Nigeria)

Saturday 17 September | Purcell Room | 7.30pm | £17.50/£15.00 (cons)

RAY LEMA TRIO and SAKA SAKA ORCHESTRA (Congo/France)

Saturday 17 September | Queen Elizabeth Hall | 9.00pm | £20.00/£17.50 (cons)

RUBY AND THE VINES (Congo/UK)

Sunday 18 September | Front Room at the Queen Elizabeth Hall | 1.00pm

HASSAN ERRAJI (Morocco)

Sunday 18 September | Purcell Room | 3.00pm | £15.00/£12.50 (cons)

THE RHYTHMS

Sunday 18 September | Front Room at the Queen Elizabeth Hall | 5.30pm | Free

DOBET GNAHORE (Ivory Coast)

Sunday 18 September | Purcell Room | 7.30pm| £17.50/£15.00 (cons)

ORCHESTRE NATIONAL DE BARBÈS (Algeria/France)

Sunday 18 September | Queen Elizabeth Hall | 9.00pm | £22.50/£20.00 (cons)

More info @  

www.joyfulnoise.co.uk/lamf.html 

Woody and Paris

Midnight in Paris
Screened at the last Cannes Festival, "Midnight in Paris", the new Woody Allen film, allows spectators to discover the capital through the eyes of the famous New York director...

Paris Film Trail
http://www.v2asp.paris.fr/commun/v2asp/v2/MIDNIGHTinPARIS_internet.pdf

More info@

Fasiya Album Launch

Dingwalls, Camden

Middle Yard, Camden Lock

London, NW1 8AB

Thursday 16 June 2011

The amazing female Kora player - Sona Jobarteh - releases her new album, FASIYA (Heritage).

Joined by her seven-piece band, Sona will bring an innovative, engaging and energising show to the stage. Audiences are captivated by her beautiful warm silky voice, strong West African rhythms and infectious melodies, leaving people singing, dancing and musically enriched by the end of the night

More info@ http://www.dingwalls.com/listings/gigdetails/16-jun-11-sona-jobarteh-dingwalls/
                     http://www.sonajobarteh.com/

Africa Oye 2011

African Music Festival
Sefton Park, Liverpool
18-19 June 2011

The biggest live FREE African Music Festival in the UK is back at Sefton Park, this weekend 18-19 June 2011.

Artists: 
Saturday 18 
    Fatoumata Diawara (Mali)
    Marcia Griffiths (Jamaica)
    Bonga (Angola)
    Mariem Hassan (Western Sahara)
    Kareyce Fotso (Cameroon)
    The Gangbe Brass Band (Benin)

Sunday 19
    Sierra Leone Allstars (Sierra Leone)
    Khaira Arby (Mali)
    Amkoullel (Mali)
    Damily Tsapiky (Madagascar)
    Cheny Wagune (Mozambique)
    Zewditu Yohannes (Ethiopia)

Also there will be DJ session, arts & crafts, and Sky's Africa Channel TV coverage.

More info@ http://www.africaoye.com/

Havana Suite

New album launch by the Cuban 'filin' guitar maestro Ahmed Dickinson Cardenas ...

More info@

Fatoumata Diawara

Fatou Private Concert
Slaughtered Lamb, London
Thurs 9 June

Review
Fatoumata Diawara - Tall, graceful and charming - is a Malian artist newly signed to the World Circuit label, which gave us Buena Vista Social Club, Ali Farka Toure, Oumou Sangare, AfroCubism, etc. Last night, she previewed to a private audience songs from her forthcoming debut album.

Fatou captivated the gathering with songs about love (L'Amour), arranged marriages, women's rights and African Diaspora issues. She has already entralled London with her brilliant, if not understated performances as a support act for Staff Benda Bilili at The Roundhouse, among others.

Her voice, full of warmth with a touch of blues, soulfully narrates Wassalou traditions; her poise is self-assured and possessed with subtle charisma. The music is full of rich melodies, accompanied by plucky acoustic guitar riffs, unlike anything I've heard in a long time.


This is a promising star who will surely grow in stature and confidence to rival some of contemporaries, and perhaps grace the stage as well as Oumou Sangare, for whom she was a backing singer and dancer. Oh I wish she could dance more, for that is one of her forte!

The new EP - "Kanou" - was released on World Circuit, 9 May 2011. Debut album is out in September 2011.

More info@ http://www.worldcircuit.co.uk/ ;  http://fatou.bandcamp.com/

Festival of Yoruba Arts

Saturday 23 July 2011
Clissold Park, Green Lanes
London, N16 0BH

More info@ http://www.foya.org.uk/

Motorexpo 2011

Canary Wharf, London, UK
Mon 6 - Sun 12 June
FREE

The world’s biggest free to visit motoring event; a revolutionary format that transforms our global business locations with displays of the latest vehicles from the world’s leading automotive manufacturers.

The event, enjoying it's 15th year will be taking place, in 2011 the Motorexpo will take place at Bank of America Plaza, Los Angeles, in May, Canary Wharf, London, in early June, Brookfield Place, Toronto, in late June and the World Financial Center, New York, in September.

More info@ http://motorexpo.com/

Omara Portuondo

La Reina de la Musica Cubana

Details coming up...

More info@
http://www.omaraportuondo.com/

FELA! is back

Sadler's Wells Theatre
Rosebery Avenue. London, EC1R
20 July - 28 Aug 2011

Following its sell out success at the National Theatre and a triple Tony Award-winning run on Broadway, FELA! arrives at Sadler’s Wells this summer, bursting with colour, infectious live music and exuberant dance.

      **** "The dancing is ecstatic, the music lifts the spirits, and the stage is alive with movement" The Guardian

FELA! tells the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, whose blend of jazz, funk and African rhythms ignited a generation. Combining dance, theatre and music, FELA! reveals Kuti’s controversial life as an artist and political activist in rousing fashion.

Featuring many of his best known songs, this run will stars Sahr Ngaujah, who has blown critics away with his magnetic performances in New York and London.

More info@
http://www.sadlerswells.com/show/Fela#title

The Merchants of Bollywood

Peacock Theatre
Portugal Street, Holborn, London, WC2
31 May - 2 July 2011

Following a sell-out critically acclaimed international tour and packed houses at the Peacock Theatre last summer, the glamour and glitter of Bollywood is back!

A theatrical dance extravaganza, The Merchants of Bollywood charts the history of the world’s largest and most prolific film industry, and the dynasty of stars that have lit its way over generations.

"Like a kick of chilli, its dance numbers overpower with their energy, hot rhythms and kaleidoscope of eye-scorching costumes" The Guardian

Featuring a cast of multi-talented performers, this turbo-charged, joyfully uplifting show is a riot of swirling colours, high-energy music and sensational dance scenes choreographed by one of Bollywood’s top young choreographers, Vaibhavi Merchant.

Seen by over two million people worldwide, this heart-warming show is both a delightful homage to the world of Indian cinema and a truly extraordinary evening of music and dance.

More info@
http://www.sadlerswells.com/show/Merchants-of-Bollywood-2011

Dave St-Pierre Company

Un peu de tendresse bordel de merde!
Sadler's Wells Theatre
Rosebery Avenue. London, EC1R
2 - 4 Jun 2011

A rare chance to see this radical piece of dance theatre by the award-winning Canadian 'enfant terrible' and performed by 20 dancers!!!

Award-winning Canadian choreographer Dave St-Pierre has been a major force on the contemporary dance scene for over five years, he has been branded the ‘enfant terrible’ of his generation and provoked comparisons to Pina Bausch’s theatre of cruelty. He makes his long awaited debut at Sadler’s Wells with the second part of his wildly successful trilogy of works exploring contemporary utopias, Un peu de tendresse bordel de merde! (A Little Tenderness for Crying Out Loud!).

Un peu de tendresse bordel de merde! is about the search for love and the human form. Using humour to tackle taboo subjects, it features 20 dancers, naked both literally and figuratively. A narrator leads the audience on a journey through their emotions as the performers leap with a primal urgency, or lie crumpled and defeated on the ground, before climaxing in a breathtakingly beautiful and moving finale.

More info@
http://www.sadlerswells.com/show/Dave-St-Pierre-Company

Rambert Dance Company

Featuring Roses by Paul Taylor

Sadler's Wells Theatre
Rosebery Avenue. London, EC1R
24 - 28 May 2011

In 2011, Rambert Dance Company celebrates 85 years at the heart of British dance, producing and touring some of the UK’s most iconic and memorable dance experiences.

This May, audiences have a rare opportunity to enjoy the work of American choreographer Paul Taylor, described by Martha Graham as the ‘naughty boy’ of dance. A tribute to love and relationships, Roses was first created in 1985 and is set to music by Richard Wagner and Heinrich Baermann.

"All dance companies talk about new work, and interesting revivals, but few make them happen like Rambert... a case study in getting it right" Evening Standard

The sensational Rambert dancers and orchestra also perform the London premiere of Monolith, by English choreographer Tim Rushton, artistic director for Danish Dance Theatre. Admired for taking risks in his choreography, pushing vocabulary and choreographic craft to extremes, Monolith is Rushton’s debut work for Rambert. The final piece in this diverse triple bill is the return of Henrietta Horn’s witty and sparkling revue, Cardoon Club.

All three works will be played live by the Rambert Orchestra.

More info@
http://www.sadlerswells.com/

LAMF 2011

London African Music Festival 2011

Details coming up...

More info@
http://www.joyfulnoise.co.uk/lamf.html

Le Blue Note

Charming little Jazz club in the heart of Monmatre, Paris, France

Details coming up...

More info@
http://www.lebluenoteparis.com/

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Details and review of the Barbican Concert coming up...

More info@
http://www.mambazo.com/

Grupo Lokito Tour

Tour: ‘Making Tracks Live’ 2011
When: Sunday 22 May
Where: Union Chapel, Islington
Producer: Kapa Productions

Grupo Lokito played their London gig of the 2011 ‘Making Tracks Live’ Tour at the Union Chapel, a well-known as both an active church and a live music events venue, not to mention that it sells the sweetest cider (Swedish) that we’ve ever tasted.

Although the turnout wasn’t great, there were some good performances from the band with new songs and dances to boot.  The group has now matured into an authentic fusion of Afro-Latin and Congolese-Rumba music, with an explosive sound highlighting the contributions of the Alex Wilson Band alumni: Colombians Emeris Solis (Congas) and Elpidio Caicedo (Bass and vocals), and whose Latin music repertoire adds gravitas to an already formidable combo!

It was interesting to note that the popularity of the "chicken" dance has now been superseded by the "hug" and "jump", but the real heartbeat of the band (for me) remains the funky drumming of Felix Ngindu with the hypnotic guitar riffs of Limousine and Burkina Faso, reminiscent of the great “sorcerer of the guitar” – Franco (T.P OK Jazz). Sara McGuiness on keyboard is also excellent as bandleader who’s driven by her passion for Cuban and Congolese music. The line-up is complimented by the sweet vocals of Makuta, Iddo and Manora… Madilu system (“Mario”) would be proud!

The post-gig interview noted that the band will not be resting on their laurels, and should be going into the studio to record a new album soon after the current tour finishes.

A great future is predicted…

More info@

http://www.grupolokito.co.uk/

http://www.makingtrackslive.org.uk/

Kew The Music 2011

Kew the Music is the new name for Summer Swing at Kew Gardens, Richmond - a series of summer concerts which take place from Wednesday 6th until Monday 11th July 2011.

Line-up

The line-up also features Bryan Ferry supported by Sophie Ellis Bextor, a London exclusive with Jamie Cullum, Blondie, plus Jools Holland, making his annual appearance with guest Sandie Shaw. Kew have also secured a visit from the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club with their only UK summer date so far and a special opening set by Cuban diva Omara Portuondo and jazz piano legend Chucho Valdés.

Full dates:
Thursday 7 July: Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra + Sandie Shaw (Tickets £36)
Friday 8 July: Jamie Cullum, Natalie Williams (Tickets £36)
Saturday 9 July: Bryan Ferry, Sophie Ellis-Bextor (Tickets £37.50)
Sunday 10 July: Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, Omara Portuondo and Chucho Valdés (Tickets £35)
Monday 11 July: Blondie, The Magnets (Tickets £36).

Dates: Wed 6 July - Mon 11 July 2011
Venue: Kew Gardens, London, UK

More info@
http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/outdoor-concerts/index.htm

Paris Jazz Festival

Paris Jazz Festival is coming up soon...

Two months of free jazz weekends at the Parc Floral.


Where: Parc Floral de Paris, Bois de Vincennes, 12th
When: June & July 2011
Website: www.parisjazzfestival.fr
More info@
http://www.parisjazzfestival.fr/

Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo de Cotonou

Cotonou Club

Thu 5 May 2011
Scala, 
275 Pentonville Road, N1 9NL
London, UK

The legendary Voodoo Afro-funk super group from Benin, launch and promote new album "Cotonou Club" in London, U.K. Do not miss an amazing funky sound full of hypnotic and psychaedelic vibes from Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo de Cotonou. After a year of illustrious comeback live dates including New York's Lincoln Center, WOMAD festival and Barbican London, the band releases its first studio album in over twenty years, 'Cotonou Club', on Strut / Sons D'Ailleurs in March 2011.

Produced in Paris entirely on vintage analogue studio equipment, this new album refreshes Poly-Rythmo classics such as 'Gbeti Madjro' (featuring Angelique Kidjo) alongside a firing selection of brand new compositions. The album also features a special bonus track "Lion is Burning", an exclusive collaboration between Poly Rythmo and Franz Ferdinand's musicians. The mighty orchestre embark on an album launch tour in Europe during April 2011.

Exclusive photos and video coming up...

Time: 7:30pm until 11pm
Admission: £23.50 in advance. Age 18+
Tickets: http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/, 08444 771 000 or Scala box office between 10am-6pm Mon-Fri

More info@ http://www.strut-records.com/

Royal Wedding Live

Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton
Friday 29 April 2011
Westminster Abbey, London. 


Witness a historic moment and a new beginning for the British Royal Family...


Live stream@ http://livestre.am/5Z1p

La Diosa Jewellery

La Diosa means 'The Goddess' in Spanish.

La Diosa is the creation of partners Natasha Faith and Semhal Zemikael, and specialises in creating luxurious jewellery using refreshingly rare and unique gemstones. The talented London based duo travelled the world to seek inspiration for their multi-award winning business, La Diosa. Their travels took them to the Mayan ruins of Mexico, the exotic islands of Thailand and electrifying destinations such as Tokyo, Singapore and Malaysia.

Faith & Zemikael learnt invaluable skills whilst living in Mexico, however their vivid imagination and raw passion for jewellery has allowed them to hand make incomparable designs through pure inspiration. After staying with a small local community who taught them how to make jewellery, they felt ready to start their life changing journey.

'La Diosa jewellery evokes empowerment. Jewellery is not simply an accessory to be admired, but rather an extension of your personality.'  Semhal Zemikael

Did you know that the ancient men and women of the Aztec and Mayan dynasty would wear the most striking pieces of jewellery to symbolise their powerful status? La Diosa recreates this concept with a modern twist, ancient goddess meets modern day woman. Every design has been designed to empower the wearer and make her feel enriched with opulence.

'Beauty inspires me. It has no boundaries and requires no explanation, like La Diosa jewellery.’   Natasha Faith                                                                                                                                                                                   

La Diosa evokes the three main characteristics of a Goddess; Power, Beauty and Mystery.

More info@

http://www.ladiosa.co.uk/

Teymour Housego

Teymour Housego,,,

Papayera

Papayera...

Astillero

Astillero

Buena Vista Social Club

Featuring Omara Portuondo 

Royal Albert Hall, London, UK

Tuesday 19 April 2011 - 7:30 pm

Following a series of hugely successful performances in recent years, the twelve-piece Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club® which features a number of Buena Vista Social Club alumni make their eagerly awaited return to Europe. 

This Cuban musicians' collective has played together for over half a century. Stylistically, they span the entire spectrum of Afro-Cuban music. Deliciously slow bolero ballads and majestic danzones feature the swell of strings, while background vocals conveying messages of romance hide behind arrestingly beautiful melodies.

Buena Vista Social Club's most influential style is the exuberant, polyrhythmic music known as son, which gave birth to both Mambo and Salsa.

These upbeat numbers are full of infectious guitar licks, multilayered Afro-Cuban rhythms, soaring vocal melodies, and brash, Big Band-style horn parts.

Joining this new and expanded lineup of Cuban players is vocalist Omara Portuondo, a member of the original Buena Vista Social Club, whose 2008 recording Gracias (World Village / Montuno) won a Latin Grammy and scored a Grammy nomination.

More info@

http://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/orquestra-buena-vista-social-club/default.aspx

http://www.buenavistasocialclub.com/

Muntu Valdo

"The One and The Many"

Monday 18th April, 2011

AFRO-POP LIVE & OUT OF AFRICA PRESENT....


MUNTU VALDO - new album launch!!!

The music is rooted in the blues, "sawa blues", mixing African traditions with striking modernity and technical mastery of cameroonian rhythms. It incorporates powerful and evocative singing, with plaintive harmonica playing and rhythmic guitar tunes... with special guests:

RUBY & THE VINES + DJ OYA BUN

Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen,
2- 4 Hoxton Square
London, N1 6NU

 Doors: 7.30pm
Price: £5.00 adv / £8 on door

TICKETS @ http://www.wegottickets.com/event/112314

Tel: 020 7613 0709

More info@

http://www.sawablues.com

http://www.myspace.com/muntuvaldo 

Omara & Chucho

New Album on World Village,,, out May 2011

European Tour Dates

MAY

THU 5 Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra Auditori del Prat del Roure.

SUN 8 Rome-Parco della Música, Roma, Italy

MON 9 Philharmonic Hall, Luxemburg-Luxemburg

THU 12 KKL, Lucerne, CH

FRI 13 Imst, Austria

JUNE

WED 29 Enghien France

THU 30 Orleans France

JULY

SAT 2 Nuits de Fourviere, Lyon-France

SUN 3 Rheingau Festival – Schloss Johannisberg/ Cuvéehof Germany

TUE 5 Vienna Austria Wiener Staatsoper

FRI 8 North Sea Jazz Festival, Holland

SAT 9 Jazz a Vauvert, Vauvert- France

SUN 10 Europe Kew Gardens, London

TUE 12 Festival La Mar de Músicas, Cartagena Spain

More info@
http://www.facebook.com/notes/chucho-valdés/omara-chucho/1539612185351

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80

African Soul Rebels Special Tour 2011

Seun Kuti + Egypt 80 + Donso 

Son of the great Fela Kuti, arguably West Africa's greatest ever music figure, Seun has grown into a star in his own right whose saxophone playing rivals his father's while he adroitly adds his own quirks and flourishes along the way. Seun has been singing with Egypt 80 since he was nine.

TOUR DATES APRIL 2011

Mon 13th LONDON   Royal Festival Hall
0844 875 0073 /  http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Weds 15th NORTHAMPTON Royal & Derngate
01604 624811 /  http://www.royalandarngate.co.uk/

Thurs 16 EDINBURGH Usher Hall
0131 228 1155 /  http://www.usherhall.co.uk/

Sat 18th MANCHESTER The Ritz
0161 907 9000 /  http://www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Sun 19th BRISTOL Colston Hall
0117 922 3686 /  http://www.colstonhall.org/

Mon 20th BASINGSTOKE The Anvil
01256 844244 /  http://www.anvilarts.org.uk/

Tues 21st POOLE Lighthouse
0844 406 8666 /  http://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/

He will be showcasing music from his new album ~ "From Africa with Fury: Rise", recorded in Brazil, mixed in London, and co-produced by Brian Eno.

SUPPORTING ACT
Donso (meaning ‘hunter’ in the Malian Barbara language) are Pierre Antoine Grison, aka KrazyBaldhead (producer for the influential dance music label Ed Banger) on Keyboards & programming, Guimba Kouyate on guitar and Djele N’Goni, Thomas Guillaume on percussion & Donso N’Goni and vocalist Gedeon Papa Diarra. Their music is a Franco/Malian fusion of traditional Malian music and electronica.

More info@
http://www.musicbeyondmainstream.co.uk

Asa

Review of Barbican Concert, London 

Mon 4 April 2011

Gerardo y Su RumbAche

Maestro de la Rumba... Details & Review of recent concert coming up...

Tiken Jah Fakoly

Review of Barbican Concert, London 

Mon 4 April 2011

A Prophet of our times?

Africa’s leading Reggae artist came, saw and conquered London on a truly memorable night that had the crowd thrown into a dance frenzy from the very start. The long awaited debut delivered an unstoppable performance, the ‘encore’ alone lasting more than 10 minutes...

Launching into ‘Political War’, 'African Revolution’, Je Dis Non! and other memorable songs on his new album; classic reggae anthems appealing to a new social movement striving for peace, good governance, fairness, equality and justice, the fans were never going to be disappointed.

His colossal stage presence was reminiscent of a bull-fighter or super heavyweight boxing champion; his music artistry mixed with acrobatic kicks and high energy, and yet possessed with a calm spirituality. This was an amazing show, and will surely enhance his already formidable reputation.  

“African Revolution is the Black people’s movement…” he reasoned in the after-show interview, calling for his fellow Africans not to abandon their dreams of a great and united continent… challenging others to greater aspirations. At the same time he criticised bad leadership; oppressive and corrupt regimes, which have for so long destroyed the very fabric of African societies and blighted the future of its children through a lack of education, opportunities and unity.

Tiken Jah Fakoly is much more than just a musician. 

He is a leader of the new African Revolution, at the epicentre of its revival and renewed sense of pride, political awakening, cultural heritage and economic renaissance. He epitomises a new generation of social values and awareness.

The man, the music and the message is a timely reminder of the current political earthquakes across the world, and a wake-up call to unite against human oppression.

African Revolution album is available on Wrasse Records

 More info on Tour dates, Albums @
http://www.myspace.com/tikenjah

Paris, J'Adore!!!

Blog and photographs of recent trip to Paris... coming up

Femmes Eternelles Exhibition

by Olivier Martel

"... Pendant  l'Exposition du 8 Mars au 15 juin 2011 Le photographe Olivier Martel dédicacera son livre FEMMES ETERNELLES au café Le Rostand.( face aux grilles du Luxembourg ).Tous les dimanches de 15h à 18h30..."

Details of the visual art prints coming up...

More info@http://www.olivier-martel.com/

Women of the World Festival

With live music, comedy and passionate debate, the WOW Women of the World Festival takes over the Southbank Centre with three days of special events by and for women.

International Women's Day
Taking place shortly after the centenary anniversary of International Women's Day on 8th March, the first ever WOW Women of the World Festival celebrates the achievements of women across the world, while highlighting the need for greater equality. The Southbank Centre conference combines live music concerts and film screenings with one off events such as a live broadcast of Women's Hour with Jenni Murray on Friday 11th March.

Live music
Highlights of the live music line up at the WOW Women of the World Festival includes EQUALS Live, starring Annie Lennox, Paloma Faith, Kate Nash and V V Brown. The concert at the Royal Festival Hall marks the centenary of International Women's Day by uniting 20 charities calling for a more equal and fairer world for women.
Details of reviews, photo and video, coming up...

More info@
http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/women-of-the-world

Annie Flore Batchiellilys

Artist Profile

Annie Flore Batchiellilys, Gabonese singer and renowned live performer, was born in Tchibanga (southwestern Gabon) on April 10, 1967. She grew up in the care of her grandmother, who introduced her to music, despite Annie’s desire to train as an automechanic.

Early Years

Annie Flore began performing between 1988-1990 at the “Arts Crossroads,” a training center for young artists created by Pierre Akendengue at the French Cultural Center in Libreville.

In 1990 Annie Flore traveled to France to further her musical education with singing lessons, learning the rudiments of music and developing her stage presence, especially at the Studio Alice Dona. She stayed in France for thirteen years before returning to Gabon in 2003. Singing in Yipunu and French, Annie Flore has performed over 300 concerts in Africa, Europe and the USA, with songs like “Je t’invite”, which is a musical tribute to Gabon.

More info@

http://www.annie-flore.com

http://www.myspace.com/annieflorebatchiellilys

Asa & Tiken Jah Fakoly

Asa

Nigerian soul-pop singing sensation Asa’s powerful vocals and stirring melodies soar above funky rhythms. In the only UK date of her European tour, she presents songs from her stunning release Beautiful Imperfection (Naïve), certified Gold Record in January 2011. Asa was the recipient of France's prestigious Prix Constantin in 2008, and is nominated for Best Female Artist in this year’s Les Victoires de la musique - French Music Awards.

Tiken Jah Fakoly
Plus the soulful vocals and political lyrics of Ivory Coast reggae star Tiken Jah Fakoly, whose Jamaican grooves are underpinned by lush African instrumentation. Tiken Jah Fakoly has risen to international acclaim with the inspiring hard-hitting social themes of his songs and his tireless battle against political corruption. He has been threatened, banned and exiled from his home country, but has never compromised. He performs hits from his latest release, African Revolution.
 

More details @

Barbican - Asa / Tiken Jah Fakoly