music-africa

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

The Review - MUSIC - grooves with CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
Published: 17 January 2008

Found in Translations: the very best of African culture

PREVIEW - TRANSLATIONS
AFRICA CENTRE

THE Africa Centre in the West End has, at some point, hosted almost every African artist known to mankind, as well as some of its most eminent writers, politicians and comedians.
Which was why many were sad to hear of its financial struggles, which led to an announcement two years ago that it would close.
February’s Translations show, staged by the BBC’s Beyond Africa group, is the last-ever production to be held at the site before it undergoes refurbishment, expected to take more than a year.
Finsbury Park writer and performer Dzifa Benson and Harlesden DJ Zak Akhimien feature, while Camden-based producer Melanie Abrahams came up with the show
Benson’s work has been seen in the National Gallery, the Guardian and the Evening Standard, while Akhimien is the co-founder of a respected DJ collective and has worked with Ty and Estelle.
The show aims to celebrate Africa and its various languages through dance, music, spoken word and visual art.
Other acts in the line-up include award-winning jazz trumpeter Byron Wallen (pictured), who’s worked with The Style Council, The Roots, Chaka Khan and Talvin Singh. He is starring alongside Malian instrumentalist and singer Tom Diakité, who also has no shortage of big-name teammates on his list: the Gipsy Kings and Mory Kanté are just two of many.
Long-time Fela Kuti-collaborator, instrumentalist Dele Sosimi, is also on the list and performing with rapper Breis.
Go and watch a piece of history.

• Translations is at the Africa Centre on Febuary 1

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment:

Check Prices, Availability & Book Online
Receive Online Discounts and Instant Confirmation

» Rock & Pop
» Gig Listings
» Classical & Jazz
» C&J Listings
» Book concerts/gigs
» Buy CDs