CANCELLED: Habib Koité & Mandé Sila – Vancouver
Mandé Sila is the new acoustic project created around Habib Koité. Three standard-bearers of West African musical traditions come together to celebrate Mandé Sila: the way of the Mandingo empire, symbolizing languages, cultures, music, and the entire organology of West Africa. Habib is accompanied by ‘magic balafon’ Aly Keïta (Côte d'Ivoire) and Lamine Cissokho (Senegal) on the Kora. Three virtuoso artists bound together by the same cultural heritage, a melting pot that inspires their compositions and sublimates the revival of the genre. The trio will be joined on stage by Habib's long-time percussionist , Mama KONE. Malian Habib Koité, one of Africa's most popular and recognized musicians, is a modern troubadour who captivates audiences with his musicality, wit and wisdom.
CANCELLED: Habib Koité & Mandé Sila – Victoria
Mandé Sila is the new acoustic project created around Habib Koité. Three standard-bearers of West African musical traditions come together to celebrate Mandé Sila: the way of the Mandingo empire, symbolizing languages, cultures, music, and the entire organology of West Africa. Habib is accompanied by ‘magic balafon’ Aly Keïta (Côte d'Ivoire) and Lamine Cissokho (Senegal) on the Kora. Three virtuoso artists bound together by the same cultural heritage, a melting pot that inspires their compositions and sublimates the revival of the genre. The trio will be joined on stage by Habib's long-time percussionist , Mama KONE. Malian Habib Koité, one of Africa's most popular and recognized musicians, is a modern troubadour who captivates audiences with his musicality, wit and wisdom.
SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR: “Peace” Tour
Spreading a jubilant celebration of music, hope and unity, the spectacular and colourful GRAMMY Award-winning 20-person Soweto Gospel Choir return this holiday season with their new show Peace, with a joyful program of South African freedom songs, traditional spirituals and some classics from Aretha Franklin, Kate Bush, Leonard Cohen and more! Through its earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, brilliant costumes and infectious spirit, a Soweto Gospel Choir performance truly elevates the soul.
ANTIBALAS Afrobeat Orchestra
Antibalas (Spanish for "bulletproof") is an American, Brooklyn-based afrobeat band founded in 1998 by Martín Perna. Initially inspired by Fela Kuti's Africa 70 band and Eddie Palmieri's Harlem River Drive Orchestra, the music generally follows the musical architecture and language of afrobeat and incorporates elements of jazz, funk, dub, improvised music, and traditional drumming from Cuba and West Africa. Their sets are packed with free-flowing jams led by charismatic frontman Abraham Amayo, whose call-and-response choruses are infectiously catchy. From the pulsating percussion to the funk-driven horns, every aspect of Antibalas' show is brimming with energy that gives ticket buyers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. This concert is in support of their new recording, "Hourglass".
DAKHABRAKHA from Ukraine
Kyiv’s DakhaBrakha returns to Victoria with its powerful, sonic feast and visual spectacle, continuing their support for Ukrainian culture and resistance. The quartet’s “ethno-chaos” sound plumbs the depths of Ukrainian roots and contemporary rhythms, fusing ancient folk melodies with everything from indie rock and pop to hip hop and the avant-garde. Intimate then riotous, this soulful tapestry of the unexpected creates “live shows that take DakhaBrakha beyond mere curiosity to utter brilliance.” (NPR)
“OSCAR” – Homage to the Rebel Maestro of Flamenco
“Oscar” tells the story of the spectacular life and flamenco works of dancer, choreographer and maestro Oscar Nieto, brought to life by the professional flamenco dancers he mentored throughout his storied career and the musicians with whom he has shared the stage. A charismatic and consummate performer, Oscar has been called “a flamenco Fred Astaire” by the LA Times. His impeccable technique, striking choreography, and irresistible stage presence have brought countless devotees to the arts of flamenco and Spanish dance. “Oscar” is a work of love, created in collaboration with artists he has mentored, in celebration of all that he has given the flamenco and dance communities of Canada, and in close collaboration with Oscar Nieto himself.
Waleed Kush Afro Jazz – Vancouver 2 Shows
The Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz Ensemble combines the impelling ancient rhythms of Africa with exhilarating, modern jazz improvisations. From Nubia, Sudan, to Harlem and Toronto. Waleed sings in over 15 African and Western languages, celebrating the African diaspora in Canada. As the band leader, Waleed has received numerous awards for different solo and group projects, being awarded and nominated for several Juno and Grammy awards.
Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz – Victoria Show
The Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz Ensemble combines the impelling ancient rhythms of Africa with exhilarating, modern jazz improvisations. From Nubia, Sudan, to Harlem and Toronto. Waleed sings in over 15 African and Western languages, celebrating the African diaspora in Canada. As the band leader, Waleed has received numerous awards for different solo and group projects, being awarded and nominated for several Juno and Grammy awards.
SEFFARINE with Manuel Gutierrez – Salt Spring Show
Seffarine's music embraces and extends Morocco's musical collision between Arabic, Iberian and West African cultures, forging vibrant original music deeply rooted in their backgrounds in flamenco guitar, oud and Arab Andalusian music. Featuring Moroccan vocalist Lamiae Naki and multi-instrumentalist Nat Hulskamp, they are joined by the acclaimed, fiery flamenco dancer and percussionist Manuel Gutierrez from Spain, Persian instrumentalist Bobak Salehi, and Cuban bass player Yosmel Montejo.
SEFFARINE with Manuel Gutierrez – Flamenco, Moroccan & Middle-Eastern Music & Dance
Seffarine's music embraces and extends Morocco's musical collision between Arabic, Iberian and West African cultures, forging vibrant original music deeply rooted in their backgrounds in flamenco guitar, oud and Arab Andalusian music. Featuring Moroccan vocalist Lamiae Naki and multi-instrumentalist Nat Hulskamp, they are joined by the acclaimed, fiery flamenco dancer and percussionist Manuel Gutierrez from Spain, Persian instrumentalist Bobak Salehi, and Cuban bass player Yosmel Montejo.