AFRO ROOTS
Creating a home for African Music and Culture in Liverpool
The Afro Roots Night is about providing a platform for African music and culture – no matter if you are Nigerian, South African, English, Kosovan, Polish or whatever – this night is for all those who want to enjoy and celebrate African Music at its best.
Liverpool has had a long association with Africa dating back to the time of transatlantic slavery. Also in recent years the Africa Oyé Music Festival has led the way in promoting African music in Liverpool with its unique and free annual event. What is missing is a regular venue for live African Music in the city open to Liverpool’s diverse communities- we hope to provide just that!
The resident band ‘Afro Roots’ will take you to the heart of Nigeria with their fusion of contemporary and traditional Nigerian rhythms. Olasunkanmi, musical director of ‘Afro Roots’, has developed the group’s repertoire, based around traditional Yoruba folkloric songs with a modern-day twist. The songs reflect the culture of the Yoruba people* and are poetic and often politicised, reflecting on the past and looking to the future. The lyrics are a mix of traditional Yoruba language and English so that all can celebrate in the melody and messages of this highly powerful music.
Resident ‘DJ Mani’ from Cameroon will be playing an eclectic mix of music from all over the African continent, both traditional and contemporary, and Latin music whose rhythms are firmly rooted in West Africa.
This night promises to be exhilarating with a line up of 4 African dancers and live band with heavy percussion, keyboards, bass and rhythm guitar. If you are looking for a real feel of West Africa in Liverpool – then get down to the New Picket for the launch night of Afro Roots.
Look out for monthly sessions from September onwards.
“Absolutely brilliant – created a real vibe. Afro Roots really know how to put on a show and were the highlight of the Liverpool Fair Trade Gig.” – Events organiser, Liverpool Fair Trade Gig, The Magnet, May 07.
Venue: The New Picket, New Bird Street, Liverpool, L1 0BW. T. 0151 708 6789.
Date: 30th June 2007, Time: 22.00 – 03.00, Door: £5