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

Eklips

Eklips ~ Master Beat-Boxer

Details coming up...

Banlieus Blues Festival

Banlieus Blues Festival

From March 11th to April 8h 2011, Paris hosts the Banlieues Bleues Festival, more than just a musical event! Enriched each year with new international guests, the Banlieues Bleues Festival is a prestigious and must see event, able to gather together different cultures and different generations of jazz, blues, hip hop, world and reggae musicians.

Held in the north eastern suburbs of Paris, the festival's goal is to unite the multiple artistic expressions born in the heart of the French capital. A whirl of sounds that attracts music lovers from all over Europe and makes it possible for Parisians and the rich population of immigrants from Seine St Denis to meet.

It is not only a musical event, but a splendid occasion for integration thanks to the exhibition of great musicians. The concerts are held in 20 different areas and halls, with variable seating accommodations that go from 300 to 1000 seats, in the neighborhood of Seine Saint Denis, located north of Paris.

Information
Banlieues Bleues Festival
49, Boulevard Marcel-Sembat,
93207 Saint-Denis Cedex,Paris
Telephone: +33 (0) 1 49 22 10 10
Fax: +33 (0) 1 49 22 10 11
bb@banlieuesbleues.org

More info@
http://www.banlieuesbleues.org/1_agenda.php
http://www.rivesdenotredame.com/

Spanish Harlem Orchestra

Spanish Harlem Orchestra

Grammy-Award winning 13-piece Salsa | Latin music collective...

More info@
http://spanishharlemorchestra.net

Also will be performing on the same bill as "Interactivo" in Paris, France, at Festival Banlieues Bleues 2011, on Sat 12 March. For tickets and further details at http://www.fnacspectacles.com/place-spectacle/manifestation/Jazz-SPANISH-HARLEM-ORCHESTRA-BB12M.htm

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic

 

18 June 2011

George Clinton has been called one of the most important innovators of funk music, next to James Brown and Sly Stone.

In 1997 Clinton was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, alongside fifteen other members of Parliament-Funkadelic.

More info@
The Official Site for the HMV Forum / Featured Gigs / George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic Tickets

Brighton Festival 2011

Brighton Festival 2011
7th -29th May 2011

Aung San Suu Kyi announced as Guest Director

We are delighted to announce the courageous leader, human rights advocate and Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi as Guest Director of Brighton Festival 2011.

More info@
http://www.brightonfestival.org/

Roberto Pla Latin Ensemble

Band Profile 

Details coming soon...

More info@

http://www.myspace.com/robertopla 

 

2011 Grammy Award Winners

2011 GRAMMY AWARDS WINNERS

Congratulations to the following World Music Artists for their Grammy Awards:

1. Esperanza Spalding  ~ Best New Artist

2. Herbie Hancock, Pink, India Arie, Seal, Konono No 1, Jeff Beck & Oumou Sangare for “Imagine”  ~ Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals

3. Chucho Valdés And The Afrocuban Messengers for “Chucho’s Steps” ~ Best Latin Jazz Album

4. Spanish Harlem Orchestra for “Viva La Tradicion” ~ Best Tropical Latin Album

5. Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté for “Ali and Toumani” ~ Best Traditional World Music Album

6. Béla Fleck for “Throw Down Your Heart , Africa Sessions Part 2: Unreleased Tracks” ~ Best Contemporary World Music Album

More details @

http://www.grammy.com/nominees

The Creole Choir of Cuba

Creole Choir of Cuba 

Concert Review
Croydon Clock Tower
Wed 9 February 2011

Also known as "Grupo Vocal Descedann", the group delivered an outstanding performance, surely an amazing way to kick off the 2011 World Music season. In an interview with the musical director Emilia Diaz Chavez, she spoke with pride in confirming that the members of the choir are all direct descendants of Haiti, and pay homage to their forefathers for preserving a rich culture through song, storytelling and dance.


The choir kicked off with "Mandaje", which recounts the disorientation felt by African slaves on arrival in Haiti. A slow melancholic song, it took the audience through a spiritual journey of Haitian history. One could almost feel and share in the experiences of slavery, all the way from Africa to the Caribbean islands of Haiti and Cuba.

"Edem Chanté", which means "Help us sing", and the first of several rousing freedom songs that dates from the bloody years of the Papa Doc Duvalier regime, followed to set the tone for the rest of the concert, for what was to be an impressive set of melodies.





Throughout the evening, the choir exhibited such joyous vocals, with animation and an invitation for the public to join in. 
My favourites on the night have got to be "Tande" and "Neg Anwo", either side of the interval.  The former being a freedom song denouncing the suffering of Haitian people through the Duvalier regime; whilst “Neg Anwo”, an uplifting song executed with vigorous aplomb, is a call to the rich people of Haiti to help their poor. 

Few groups – Ladysmith Black Mambazo apart – have the ability to enthral an audience with such natural and powerful vocal delivery, and without the aid of modern orchestral arrangements. This was a concert of high quality and beauty; both a spiritual and vocal triumph.

The new CD Tande-la is out on Realworld records and our February 2011 album of the month. 

More info @
http://www.creolechoir.com
http://www.myspace.com/thecreolechoirofcuba  
http://www.realworldrecords.com/videos/tanda-la

Also check out Sky Arts documentary @
http://video.sky.com/skyarts/related/remap/video-sky-arts-at-the-creole-choir-of-cuba/

More videos @

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/mpd/permalink/m3ALJ8YSSHDZBW/ref=ent_fb_link

Welcome to Kampala

Welcome to Kampala

The Capital City of Uganda, Africa

One of the fastest growing cities in the World.

More details @
http://welcometokampala.com

Croydon Film Festival 2011

Croydon Film Festival

Croydon Film Festival returns in April 2011.

The inaugral festival in 2010 included screenings in unusual places (e.g. Sing-a-longa WickerMan at the Green Dragon), seminars and workshops with industry experts, Director's talks and a trilogy. We also hosted three filmmaking competitions and were astounded by the short films and mobile movies received. Visit http;//www.croydonfimfestival.com to watch the winning films.

Email now to join our mailing list and be the first to hear about the 2011 Croydon Film Festival.

Contact Details

Contact name

Arts Development

Job title

Arts Development Officer

Telephone

020 8760 5707

Email

arts@croydon.gov.uk

Address

Room B6 Croydon Clocktower Katharine Street Croydon CR9 1ET

Teni and the Afro-Renaissance

Teni and the Afro-Renaissance 

 

Nigerian Priestess of Afro-Jaz, Soul and Roots conscienceness... 

 

Teni composes afrosoul music inspired by the great Fela Kuti and others such as Nina Simone, Sade Adu and Marvin Gaye. Thank you for joining my lovely page, please spread the word! Viva Africa!

 

More details@  

http://www.youtube.com/user/MakedaHouse 

 http://www.tenimusic.org/

Carmen Souza

Carmen Souza

Our artist of the year 2010

Cape Verde meets World Jazz music. "Imagine if Billie Holiday sang in Creole and revisited her African roots then you would be half way to describing the voice of Carmen Souza..."   Exuding talent, confidence, tireless globe-trotting, music full of positive messages, and the appreciation of her African heritage, Carmen Souza is our artist of the year 2010.     

 

 

More info@

http://www.myspace.com/carmensouza 

 

DJ Mr Bristow

DJ Mr Bristow

Profile

A profile of the one of the hottest Hip-Hop scratch DJs in London, UK. A DJ, Music Producer and tutor with more than 10 years experience. Check out the new single release "All about the Music" on Sub-Tek". Other details coming up...

More info@

http://www.mrbristow.co.uk

http://www.youtube.com/user/MisterBristow

The Abyss Quartet

The Abyss Quartet

Profile

A fusion of Afro-beats, Ethio-Jazz and funky grooves. They are playing live tonight at Rich Mix, Shoreditch, London. A review of this gig and other details coming up...

More info@

http://www.myspace.com/theabyssquartet

The Krar Collective

The Krar Collective

Profile

The band brings you dynamic roots music from different parts of Ethiopia and different tribal traditions with a contemporary edge. They are playing live tonight at Rich Mix, Shoreditch, London. A review of this gig is coming up...

More info@

www.myspace.com/krarcollective

Toumani and Ali

Toumani Diabate & Ali Farka Toure

Documentary

From World Circuit Recorsds, a documentary about the Grammy award-winning, first album of duets between the late great Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté ~ "In the Heart of the Moon"

More info@

http://www.aliandtoumani.com

Nneka

Nneka

Profile

Prodigious Nigerian-German Singer now based in US. The indomitable musical force of Arican conscience. R'n'B, Afrobeats, Roots, Reggae, Hip-Hop. Details coming up...

More info@

http://www.nnekaworld.com

http://www.myspace.com/nnekaworld

Happy New Year 2011

Happy New Year 2011

Ska Cubano

Ska Cubano

Band Profile

Founded by Peter .A. Scott and comprising of leading musicians from the caribbean Rey Crespo, Oreste Noda, Jesus Cutino, Kico Cowan; to globe trotters, Beny Billy, Natty Bo, Eddie Thornton, Megumi Mesaku. The band based in UK and serves up a musical fusion of Cuban rhythms (Son & Rumba), mambo, mento, calypso, ska, rock steady and roots reggae.

Details coming up...

More info@

http://www.myspace.com/skacubano

http://www.skacubano.com/

Safroman

Safroman

Band Profile

Safro Manzangi *Safroman* is the grand rhythm guitarist, song writer, composer singer, and arranger from DR Congo, resident in London. Known as the High Priest, he plays with the authority of a man who helped to create the new wave of Rumba Lingala in 80's Kinshasa.

The band based in UK. Details coming up...

More info@

http://www.myspace.com/safroman

http://www.safromanzangi.com

 

Chucho Valdes

Chucho Valdes

Band Profile

Maestro pianist of Afro-Cuban Jazz music and Co-founder of Irakere. Details coming up...

More info@

http://www.valdeschucho.com

Ibrahim Maalouf

Ibrahim Maalouf

Band Profile

Prodigious French Arabic Jazz Trumpeter plaing a fusion of moody funky jazz and arabic beats. Details coming up...

More info@

http://www.myspace.com/ibrahimmaalouf