Mokoomba
The Apollo Theater In Partnership with World Music Institute Presents The 4th Edition of AFRICA NOW!
Celebrating The Best Of The Contemporary African Music Scene
Featuring: Niger’s Guitar Virtuoso Bombino; Up and Coming Ghanaian Afro-Soul Singer Jojo Abot; Nubian Pop And Sudanese Retro Singer/Songwriter Alsarah and the Nubatones; and, Six Piece Afro-Fusion Band From Zimbabwe Mokoomba.
Hosted by Director/Actor Sahr Ngaujah (Fela!)
Saturday, March 26th at 8 pm
The Apollo Theater, in partnership with World Music Institute, presents the fourth edition of the Africa Now! concert, celebrating the best of the contemporary African music scene, on Saturday, March 26, at 8pm. Hosted by Sahr Agaujah, from the Broadway production of Fela!, this year’s concert will feature Bombino, Jojo Abot, Alsarah and the Nubatones and Mokoomba – artists who have drawn from their African roots for inspiration and transplanted them onto the global music landscape.
Bombino, a young guitarist and songwriter, from Niger, whose electrifying jams capture the spirit of resistance and rebellion while echoing with guitar riffs reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix, Tinariwen, Ali Farka Touré, John Lee Hooker and Jimmy Page; Jojo Abot, a Ghanaian singer/songwriter whose music is an experimental blend of electronica, afrobeat, jazz, neo-soul, house and reggae; East African retro pop group, Alsarah and the Nubatones, whose music blends a selection of Nubian “songs of return” with original material and traditional music of central Sudan; and Mokoomba the Zimbabwean six-piece band whose sound brings an electrified blend of Afro-fusion and traditional Tonga music. Drawing upon roots in Niger, Zimbabwe, Sudan, and Ghana for inspiration, each of this year’s artists brings a unique sound, experience and energy.
“We are absolutely delighted to present our fourth Africa Now concert with World Music Institute. Our program of artists showcases the amazing range of musical talent within the African music scene. This year we are proud to showcase artists from Niger, Zimbabwe, Sudan and Ghana,” said Mikki Shepard, Apollo Theater Executive Producer. “Each year’s concert sets the bar high for the next year, and those who attend the festival know they can expect a world-class event, a great line-up, and an overall incredible experience.”
MORE ABOUT AFRICA NOW! ARTISTS:
Bombino, born and raised in Niger, in the northern city of Agadez, is a member of the Tuareg Ifoghas tribe, a nomadic people descended from the Berbers of North Africa. His dazzling live performance and virtuosity on the guitar have led notable music critics to compare him to Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Neil Young, and Jerry Garcia. WMI’s Par Neiburger declares Bombino “the next star of desert blues, à la Tinariwen.” His 2013 album Nomad debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Music album chart and earned rave reviews including from BBC World Service, which called it “utterly, utterly fantastic.” His fifth album Azel, collaboration with Dirty Projector producer Dave Longstreth, will be released April 1, 2016.
Jojo Abot, an emerging Ghanaian singer/songwriter, is poised to capture the ears of discerning listeners worldwide with her experimental blend of electronica, afrobeat, jazz, neo-soul, house and reggae. Dividing her time between Accra, Copenhagen and New York City, Jojo’s music is a cultural and sonic fusion driven by her sultry voice, enchanting vulnerability and thought-provoking lyrics.
Alsarah is a Sudanese-born singer, songwriter and ethnomusicologist. Born in the capital city of Khartoum, she relocated to Yemen, and later moved to the United States in 1994, following the outbreak of civil war. Through a collective love for Nubian ‘songs of return’ and an evolving conversation around shared migration experiences, Alsarah, drummer Rami el Aasser, Armenian-American oud player Haig Manoukian, and French-born Togo-raised bass player Mawuena Kodjovi, formed Alsarah & The Nubatones with a sound that has grown into what they have dubbed ‘East African retro-pop.’
Mokoomba, has been described as “exuberant youthful energy bursting with natural talent and contagious rhythm,” the six young musicians who make up Mokoomba are Zimbabwe’s next generation of hope. Musically distinct, Mokoomba combines traditional and modern instruments with a rich blend of rhythms, creating a vibrant sound consisting of not only traditional Tonga music but embracing the diverse cultures of southern Africa. Mokoomba made a big impression with their debut tour of North America in 2014, and they are thrilled to return to the U.S. and Canada in March/April 2016 with brand new material in advance of their upcoming album, Luyando.
Sahr Ngaujah originated the title role in Fela! on Broadway. Ngaujah earned an Obie and Theater World Award and was nominated for an Olivier, Tony, Grammy, Drama Desk, Lortel and Drama League awards for his performance. TV credits include: The Good Wife, Taxi-22 (pilot), The Blacklist and Last Resort. Film credits include: Freeheld, Kenshow at the Bedfellow, Blood Done Sign My Name, The Signal, Stomp the Yard, Finding Fela and the upcoming Money Monster, directed by Jodie Foster. Director credits include: Conversations With Ice, Seven Sins. Masters of Theatre: DasArts – Netherlands. Music credits include: Sahr + Ricardo aKUsTIc, Chop & Quench, 2016 album appearances include “Drum for your life” by Pop It! “Action” by Directors, “Are you ready for this”(EP part3) by D-Felic.
Tickets for Africa Now! are $25 – $50. Tickets are available at the Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com
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