Rachid Taha
Playing a politically-engaged mix of Rock and Raï, collaborating with the likes of Patti Smith, Mick Jones and Robert Plant, hailed by musicians and critics alike – Rachid Taha is one of world music’s true superstars.
Famous for re-claiming Western rock, Taha has performed Arabic language versions of The Cure’s ‘Killing an Arab’ and The Clash’s ‘Rock The Casbah’, here’s Taha playing ‘Rock el Casbah’:
Vieux Farka Touré
‘A feisty new African guitar hero… consistently excellent’ – The Times
Vieux Farka Touré’s wiry desert blues bridges the gap between Western rock and his Saharan roots, creating the music of a contemporary Africa: sophisticated, modern but deeply connected to its heritage.
Vieux Farka Touré will be joined on stage by saxophonist Alfred ‘Pee Wee’ Ellis , a principal member of James Brown’s band in the sixties he arranged and co-wrote hits like ‘Cold Sweat’ and ‘Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud’, and has since worked extensively as the arranger and musical director of Van Morrison’s band.
Free Post Show Gig Pt.1: Mulatu Astatke & The Heliocentrics
Following Rachid Taha and Vieux Farka Toure’s gig at Royal Festival Hall, the party continues at The Clore Ballroom with a special free post-show gig featuring Ethio-jazz legend, and star of the Ethiopiques series, Mulatu Astatke performing with psych-Afro-jazz collective The Heliocentrics.
Filmaker Jim Jarmusch reportedly became so enamoured with Astatke’s music during the production of his 2007 comedy Broken Flowers that he wrote-in an Ethiopian neighbour for Bill Murray’s lead in order to incorporate Astatke’s music. Here’s the trailer for the film which opens with Astatke’s ‘Yegelle Tezeta’:
Due to unforeseen circumstances Mulatu Astatke will not be performing tonight. However, there will still be a full programme of free music tonight from 10.20pm in The Clore Ballroom, featuring The Heliocentrics, Afrikan Boy, and A.J. Holmes & Vamanos (Secousse Sound System).
Free Post Show Gig Pt.2: Afrikan Boy + Secousse Sound System
Also performing at the free post show gig is M.I.A collaborator hotly-tipped Nigerian-born afro-grime MC, Afrikan Boy http://www.myspace.com/afrikanboy. Followed by a DJ set from new afrobeat pioneers A.J. Holmes and Vamanos (Secousse Sound System) http://www.myspace.com/secousseclub.
Book tickets for this incredible night of music at:
http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/music/gigs-contemporary/tickets/rachid-taha-and-vieux-farka-toure-49489
Filed under: Rock & Pop, World, Blues, Upcoming Gigs |
Gigs Community | Southbank Centre 
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