30th Africa Festival (2018) – AFRICA FESTIVAL WÜRZBURG

Eveneing Programme| Circus tent

Thursday, May 31st, 2018

FATOUMATA DIAWARA

WOMAN POWER FROM MALI

Her debut album ´Fatou´ (2011) featuring the hit “Sowa“ conquered the charts of the world music scene. She was the lead of several movies and theatre plays. Her last projects were the collaboration with Cuban musician Roberto Fonseca (”At Home“ / 2015), the fusion album “Lamomali“ (2017) with French rock musician Matthieu Chedid, as well as the documentary “Mali Blues“. Last year she performed on stage at the Africa festival with Tuareg Ahmed Ag Kaedy, one of the protagonists from this movie. By popular request we have invited the fighter for the rights of women in Africa again to make the festival tent boil. In 2013 she received the Africa Festival Award.

Manu Dibango

The great music icon from Cameroon

Ever since Emmanuel N´Djoké Dibango, born in Douala on 12 December 1933, rather randomly conquered the charts in the USA with the song “Soul Makossa“, the B side of his single, everyone has been talking about him. With his great talent as a saxophone player and pianist, he manages to add his personal African touch to any style, whether it is funk, bebop, jazz, hip-hop or reggae. His albums “Gone Clear“ (1980), “Electric Africa“ (1985), “Afrijazzy“ (1986) and “Wakafrika“(1994) are milestones of the African music scene. His duets with Lucky Dube (1998) and Klaus Doldinger (2008) were unforgettable highlights of the Africa Festival. Thus he feels honoured to once again take over the patronage at the 30th anniversary of the festival.

Friday, June 1ST, 2018

Lokua Kanza

THE FINE VOICE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Lokua Kanza has been accompanying the Africa Festival like no other African artist. Ever since his first performance in 1998 at the 7^th Africa Festival, he has been enthusing the audience with his performances again and again with timeless and terrific musical quality. Having an anniversary without him would be unthinkable. In 1991 he took his first big steps in the “Soul Makossa Band“ of Manu Dibango and the “Bwana Zolou Gang” of Ray Lema. They inevitably lead him to a successful solo career. As a songwriter he even wrote some tailor-made songs for the amazing Miriam Makeba (CD “Homeland“ / 2000). Therefore he will remember the great Mama Africa during this concert evening in the main tent, too. In 2006 he was given the Africa Festival Award for his musical talent.

ANGELIQUE KIDJO

THE AMAZON FROM BENIN

Ever since she took her first musical steps in Jasper van’t Hof’s formation ‘Pili-Pili’, Angélique Kidjo has been continually advancing her music and has arrived at the Mount Olympus of international musicians. Several Grammy awards, projects with Carlos Santana, duets with Alicia Keys, the release of her biography “Spirit Rising”, as well as her work as an UNICEF ambassador are only a fraction of her sublime career. Today Benin-born power woman Angélique is living and commuting between New York and Paris and always looking for new challenges. Her great role model: Miriam Makeba! At Miriam Makeba’s official farewell concert here at the 18^th Africa Festival in 2006 she was present on stage and performed “Malaika” in honour of her. She ranked second in the voting of the audience.

Saturday, June 2nd, 2018

HABIB KOITÉ & BAMADA

THE GUITAR KING FROM BAMAKO

His hit “No More Cigarette Abana“ will not be the only song which Habib Koité will sing together with the festival audience when he’ll step on the stage of the main circus tent for the 7th time since his first performance at the 8th Africa Festival. Despite his growing success, the exceptional guitar player and singer from Mali has remained the same sociable and nice person. Today he spends his time jamming with blues man Eric Bibb (“Brothers In Bamako“ / 2012), gathers the musicians of his house band to occasionally perform at his own hotel “Maya´s Place“ in Bamako or set out with them to a big world tour. Thus, the 30^th anniversary of the festival in Würzburg is a must for him and us. He ranked 3rd in the voting of the audience!

HOT WATER

SOUTH AFRICAN FOLK ROCK

It’s impossible to listen to Hot Water. To just listen. Because when Donovan Copley, the band’s founder, frontman, and creative heart, starts singing, playing (often his iconic African guitar), jiving and jumping around on stage, backed up by a mix of stellar South African musicians who are as diverse as the country itself, you can’t sit still…! The music – Copley calls it ‘South African Folk-Rock’ – mixes the sounds of traditional mbaqanga, kwela and maskanda with a more contemporary folk rock vibe, which is utterly danceable. Everything is interwoven by Copley’s raw, sweet voice and inspiring, almost dreamlike lyrics…“Easily one of the most exciting musical projects to come out of SA“ (The Citizen).

Sunday, June 3rd, 2018

SONA JOBARTEH

MAGIC KORA SOUNDS FROM THEGAMBIA

In the caste of the West African griots playing the kora is traditionally passed on from father to son. Therefore the squad of outstanding kora virtuosos like Toumani Diabaté, Ballaké Sissoko or Tata Dindin, has always been a squad of men. Until a young woman, born in London in 1983 and a cousin of Toumani Diabaté, broke this tradition and has become one of the best of her field herself: Sona Jobarteh! As a griotte, it is her goal to understand the world and tradition of her ancestors from the Gambia and to pass them on to the younger generations, particularly to girls, in her own way. In Brikama / the Gambia she even founded the “Amadu Bansang Jobarteh School of Music“ for this purpose. After 2012 she will again be our guest at the festival.

ALPHA BLONDY

GREAT REGGAE VIBES FROM THE IVORY COAST

Besides Tiken Jah Fakoly and the late South African reggae star Lucky Dube, Alpha Blondy, born in 1953, is the reggae artist of the African continent. Every kid in West Africa knows his hits “Cocody Rock”, “Jerusalem” or “Sweet Fanta Diallo”. He and his formation “Solar System” are regular guests at worldwide annual reggae festivals. Every time he is there, he once again proves that good reggae vibes must not exclusively come from Jamaica, but can also be made at the black continent. By the way, politically and socially committed Seydou Koné, which is Alpha Blondy’s real name, gave his first concert in Würzburg at the 4^th Africa Festival in 1992. It’s party time at the conclusion of the festival! He ranked 5th in the voting of the audience.

Day Programme | Open stage

Friday | Saturday | Sunday

Thursday, May 31st, 2018 | open stage

SIDIKI DIABATÉ

THE NEW STAR OF AFRICAN URBAN MUSIC SCENE

The Malian singer Sidiki Diabaté, is an outstanding beat maker and Hip-Hop producer and also known as the Prince of Kora. He is considered as the new star of African urban music scene. With his songs featuring Booba, Niska or Fataby, Sidiki has manages to make a name himself on the African scene. His song „C’est bon“ feat. Iba One et Niska“ on YouTube has already 7.155.360 views. He performed on the world’s most prestigious stages alongside his father, the famous Master of Kora, Toumani Diabaté. He will have his debut concert in Germany at the International Africa Festival in Würzburg.

DAARA J FAMILY

THE MOST FAMOUS HIP-HOP BAND FROM DAKAR

In 2001 the first Africa Festival award was given to the group Daara J for its musical talent and dynamic performances. After very famous solo projects the members of the group are now performing together again. Ever since their album “School of life“ Faada Freddy and N´Dongo D have been the heart of the Daara J Family. They label their music as socially committed “hip-hop born in Africa”. Their lyrics are in Wolof, French and English and in their music they combine the tradition of Senegalese griot with hip-hop, soul, funk and reggae.

Friday, June 1st, 2018 | Open stage

DOBET GNAHORÉ

MAGIC URBAN AFRICAN SOUL FROM THE IVORY COAST

In 2001 she had the privilege to start off the 13th Africa Festival with French guitar player Colin Laroche, who would later become her husband, as an acoustic duo, which was back then still completely unknown. Ever since this first performance, her career as an expressive musician and artist has been skyrocketing. Thus, in 2009 she received the coveted Grammy award in the category “Best Urban & Alternative Performance“. In 2010 the audience of the festival could assure itself of her talent. By popular demand we are delighted to welcome her on the Open Stage again.

ALSARAH & THE NUBATONES

FRESH WORLD MUSIC FROM SUDAN

In 2010 Alsarah founded the Nubatones in New York with her sister Nahid. Until then she had been leading a chequered life. She was born in Khartum in 1982 and had to flee via Yemen into the USA in 1989 with her whole family. In the USA she successfully graduated in ethnomusicology, in the meantime was training her voice in various world music choirs, and was a part of the “Nile Project”. Currently with the Nubatones she is successfully alternating between traditional rhythms, afrobeat, pop and soul. Her new and sensational album is called “Ya Watan”.

MARIAMA

THE SONGWRITER LADY AND VOICE FROM FREETOWN

Mariama Jalloh was born in Freetown/Sierra Leone. She grew up in the German town Bergisch Gladbach and today feels at home in Paris, as well as Cologne and the rest of the world. She took her first musical steps with Adé Bantu’s “Brothers Keepers” and his “Afrobeat Academy”. In 2012 the singer and songwriter released her debut album “Easy Way Out”. Since then her voice has been appreciated by West African stars like Moh!Kouyaté (“Darre“) or Faada Freddy (“I Need A Dollar“), too.

Saturday, une 2nd, 2018 | Open stage

ORQUESTA MERCADONEGRO

HOT SALSA FROM CUBA AND COLOMBIA

Orquesta Mercadonegro or “black market“, which is the translation of the band’s name, is one of the best salsa bands. Over the years, the band has become one of the most popular groups for Latin-American music. Founded by José Armando Miranda, Cesar Correa and Rodrigo Rodriguez, in the meantime, the trio has turned into a band with 11 members who have their roots in Cuba, Colombia and Peru. They carry salsa into the world with a lot of passion and infect any audience with their enthusiasm. No one can resist dancing and there will be no shirt left dry!

GANGBÉ BRASS BAND

BIG BAND SOUNDS FROM BENIN

“Gangbé“, a word from the ‘fon‘ language in Benin, can be roughly translated to “sound of metal”. The musicians of this band, which consists of 8 members who play the trumpet, trombone, tuba and various percussion instruments, have been enthusing the audience of the African world music scene with impressive live performances since the year of foundation in 1994. Traditional “juju” or “voudoun” rhythms are blending with modern jazz harmonies in big band arrangements and sometimes turn towards afro beat. It’s time to dance!

KLUB KARTELL PRESENTS DELLÉ; GANJAMAN; JAHCOUSTIX & SEBASTIAN STURM

GERMAN ROOTS REGGAE PARTY POWER DELUXE

Dellé, old hand of ‘Seeed’ with Ghanaian roots, Ganjaman, germanophone reggae artist from the very start, Jahcoustix the positive vibes man of the scene, and experienced roots reggae player Sebastian Sturm meet the excellent classic backing band ‘Klub Kartell’. Ever since the founding of the band in 2016 and various gigs with artists like Mykal Rose (Black Uhuru), these five guys have become more than just an insider’s tip in the German club reggae and dancehall scene. It’s time for an electrifying and unforgettable live reggae party!

Sunday, June 3rd, 2018 | Open stage

ACE TEE

AFRO-GERMAN HIP-HOP & R&B WITH GHANAIAN ROOTS

The woman behind “Ace Tee” is Berlin-born hair stylist Tarin Wilda who is living in Hamburg. With her partner Kwam.E, who was also born in Ghana, she is rapping in German in true hip-hop fashion. In 2017 they actually managed to score a viral hit in the USA with the song „Bist Du Down“. Thanks to their fashionable appearance even Vogue magazine noticed them. With their four stage dancers and a DJ you are guaranteed to have a really good dance!

AMI

THE NATURAL YOUNG SONGWRITER LADY

Ever since her first performance at the 28th Africa Festival and her second CD “Seasons”, Ami, daughter of famous world music fusion musician Wally Warning, has evolved into a confident songwriter. With the Caribbean island Aruba in her blood, by this time she is not shying away from also singing in German, which can be heard in her well-made song „Untertauchen“. Let’s look forward to a lot of groove and soul from the young singer who is living in Munich.

PATRICE

GERMANY’S FINEST ROOTS REGGAE & SOUL ARTIST

In 2001 Patrice Babatunde Bart-Williams enthused the audience of the Africa Festival for the first time. Since his debut album “Ancient Spirit“ (2000) he has continually been evolving and his last album “Life’s Blood“ (2016) has become another timeless milestone in his career. The likeable songwriter feels equally at home in his hometown Cologne, as well as in New York, Paris or the home country of his late father: Sierra Leone. A special anniversary present for the loyal audience in front of the open stage!