Show start: 1 pm

MANGROVE STEEL BAND

STEELPAN MUSIC FROM TRINIDAD

The “Mangrove Steel Band” is one of the most famous steel bands. The band started as a traditional “Pan Round Neck” group, which played mainly on street parades, and has now established itself as a professional steel band. It has won the “Panorama”, the national steel pan competition of the Notting Hill carnival, eight times. The 20 musicians will enthuse the visitors of the Africa Festival with their effervescent energy.

© Mangrove Steel Band

Show start: 3 pm

WALLY WARNING ROOTS BAND

CARIBBEAN GROOVE FROM ARUBA

When the likeable singer Wally Warning, multi-instrumentalist and composer, performs on stage - either solo or with his band - the audience is quickly electrified. He sees music as an elixir of life, a linking passion across all boundaries. He doesn't feel committed to one musical category, he loves reggae. He merges Caribbean groove with Latin roots at the highest musical level.

For the Africa Festival Wally rounded up nine musicians from the Caribbean and Germany... old and new companions. His successful daughter Ami will also join the band on the bass. You can look forward to a very special performance, which will be rounded off by his hit song "no monkey".

© Mario Gerth

Show start: 5 pm

CARIBBEAN BRASS INTERNATIONAL

CARNIVAL MUSIC FROM ARUBA AND CURACAO

The Caribbean Brass International originated as a street-marching dance orchestra. The band consists of brass players and drummers. It was formed in 1986 by Aruban and Antillean students, who have been playing as a band since they were children. Their music is a mixture of Spanish, African, European and Brazilian elements, like samba, soca, calypso, merengue and modern music. The fast, rhythmic music they play has its origin in the biggest festival of the people - the carnival. The energy and enthusiasm of the musicians is inexhaustible and the rhythm is contagious. It is impossible to keep your feet still!

© Bugs Steffen

Show start: 1 pm

ANNA & SALIOU CISSOKHO 

KORA MEETS WORLD MUSIC (SENEGAL)

With this duo consisting of a female singer from Hamburg and kora player from Casamance (Senegal) a soulful, jazzy voice meets traditional and modern kora sounds! As they are not setting themselves boundaries, the duo invites the audience to a journey through world music. Rudy Valentino Jr. accompanies them as a producer and guitarist who has already worked with Samy Deluxe and many others.

© Saliou Cissokho

Show start: 3 pm

KOKOROKO

SPECIAL AFROBEAT VIBES FROM LONDON

This young collective, which was founded in London, proves that women are also able to perform afrobeat and carry it within them. Band leader Sheila Maurice-Grey, who plays the trumpet, says: “We are making the music we love and which our parents already listened to. Fela Kuti, Tony Allen from Nigeria or Ebo Taylo from Ghana – these are our icons!“ Together with Cassie Kinoshi on the saxophone and Richie SeivWright on the trombone and their band she will enthuse the audience with cumulative women’s power!

© Kokoroko

Show start: 5 pm

MOH! KOUYATÉ

URBAN AFROBEATS AND MANDINGO FUNK FROM GUINEA

The exceptional guitar player who was born in Conakry on 21 April 1977, moved the centre of his life to Paris in 2007. There, the musician who comes from a griot family, perfected his guitar skills and has since shared the stage with musicians like Corey Harris, Mariama or Fatoumata Diawara. His current amazing album is called “Fé Toki“. On the CD, he plays modern, urban afro pop without forgetting about his mandingo roots. When he plays afro blues on his guitar, he even manages to cover the area between the Niger and the Mississippi delta with his range.

© Bugs Steffen

Show start: 8 pm

NDLOVU YOUTH CHOIR 

WONDERFUL YOUNG VOICES FROM LIMPOPO / SOUTH AFRICA

The choir, which was founded in 2009, was initially started as a charity project to help young adults from different remote areas in Limpopo, who didn't have a perspective, create their future. By now, the project, which is headed by Ralf Schmitt, has become more and more professional. Many of the young boys and girls can even make a part of their necessary livelyhood with their beautiful voices. The choir, which consists of ca. 30 people, is considered one of the great newcomers in the "land of the 1000 voices". Part of its repertoire is the township jive, as well as hits by Hugh Masekela or songs from the musical "Sarafina“. With its new interpretation of "Shape Of You“ by Ed Sheeran they are even aiming for a Grammy award.

© Ndlovu Youth Choir

Show start: 1 pm

MEMORIA 

REGGAE, DANCEHALL & REGGAETON WITH A DASH OF LATIN

“Overcoming injustice, building bridges between the cultures of the world whether it is in Europe, South America or Africa.” – this is the slogan of the band from Cologne. The eight young musicians, who have their roots in Peru, Venezuela and Germany, started out just jamming for fun in a rehearsal room in Cologne/Mühlheim until they decided to release their first single “One drop” in 2005. The music scene also reacted with respect and enthusiasm to their second EP “Startline”.

© Alex Sarantopoulos

Show start: 3 pm

LEILA AKINYI

AFRO-GERMAN DANCEHALL, HIP-HOP, SOUL & AFRO-POP

This young artist who was born in Mombasa at the coast of Kenya found herself a new home in Cologne when she was six. In her songs, which she writes herself in German or Swahili, she openly addresses her longstanding experiences as an Afro-German woman with a lot of empowerment. “Who’s afraid of the black woman?” she sings and cheekily asks in her debut single “Afro Spartana“ (2016). During her impressive performances she is actively supported by her Djane Mbengisha and her dancers.

© Leila Akinyi

Show start: 5 pm

JAHCOUSTIX

ROOTS REGGAE AND POSITIVE VIBES FROM GERMANY

Dominik Haas aka Jahcoustix, the son of a diplomat, was born in Bonn on 4 October 1978. While having been a nomad on the African continent most of his life, he has now moved his domicile to Berlin. After several projects with bands like Headcornerstone, Outsideplayers, Dubious Neighbourhood and recently with the Reggae formation Klub Kartell from Cologne, the audience can be excited about what the positive vibes man will be presenting this time to conclude the performances of the Open Stage..

© Bugs Steffen

Show start: 8 pm

SISTA AWA 

THE WONDERFUL FEMALE VOICE OF ROOTS REGGAE AND MORE

Awa Fall aka Sista Awa was born in in Bergamo in 1996 to a Senegalese father and Italian mother. In 2010 she slowly started her musical career. At first she was singing soul and blues, until supported by an Italian reggae formation, the Easy Skankers, she devoted herself completely to roots reggae. Her first solo album „Inna Dis Ya Iwa“ was already a great success. She still lives in her home country Italy but also continues to get inspired by her travels through Senegal. She evolved with her band the Rising Tones and Dj Bonnot and is now also at home in dub and jungle. It will be her first performance at the Africa Festival in Würzburg and she will present the songs of her new album.

© Delia

Show start: 10 pm

GENTLEMAN WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

GERMANY'S REGGAE ARTIST NUMBER ONE

When his brother gave him a mix tape with songs from Jamaica when he was 17 years old, Tilman Otto, the son of a pastor who grew up in Osnabrück and Cologne, was thrilled. He decided to travel to the Caribbean island, the home of reggae. He started as a DJ and was soon encouraged by other artists like Max Herre to play his own interpretation of roots reggae. From this moment his career skyrocketed. His second album "Journey To Jah" (2002) already reached gold status and the following "Confidence" (2004) is considered one of the most successful albums that has ever been sold in the history of German reggae. Numerous colleagues like Shaggy or Ky-Mani Marley value his personal qualities. He will be performing his current album with his well-attuned band for the finale of the Africa Festival.

© Bünning

Start of the show: 08 p.m.

FATOUMATA DIAWARA

WOMAN POWER FROM MALI

Start of the show: 10 p.m.

MANU DIBANGO

THE GREAT MUSICAL ICON FROM CAMEROON

Start of the show: 08 p.m.

LOKUA KANZA

THE FINE VOICE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Start of the show: 10 p.m.

ANGELIQUE KIDJO

THE AMAZON FROM BENIN

Start of the show: 08 p.m.

HABIB KOITÉ & BAMADA

THE GUITAR KING FROM BAMAKO

Start of the show: 10 p.m.

HOT WATER

SOUTH AFRICAN FOLK ROCK

Start of the show: 08 p.m.

SONA JOBARTEH

MAGIC KORA SOUNDS FROM THE GAMBIA

Start of the show: 10 p.m.

ALPHA BLONDY

GREAT REGGAE VIBES FROM THE IVORY COAST

© Youri Lenquette

Showtime: 8.00 p.m.

FAADA FREDDY

A-CAPPELLA VOCALS AND BODY-PERCUSSIONS

In 2001, the ‘Africa Festival Award’, which was presented for the first time that year, went to the young and congenial Hip Hop formation ‘Daara J’ from Senegal. It was not just Lord Aladji Man, N`Dongo D and Faada Freddy who played their way into the hearts of the Africa Festival audience with their performances on the open stage, the special guest, Patrice, in the main tent and on the dance floor in the AKW, did, too. Now, 16 years later, ‘Daara J’ has changed, the musicians have become more mature and follow their own solo projects. In his chosen home of Paris, Faada Freddy, alias Abdoul Fatah Seck, has embarked on a ‘Gospel Journey’. His instrument: his extraordinary voice. You can look forward with great excitement to an unforgettable A-Cappella concert with lots of soul, jazz and R & B, presented on a body-percussion-carpet.

Photo: © Barron Claiborne

Showtime: 10.00 p.m.

WALLY SECK

SENEGALS NEW SUPERSTAR

Wally Ballago Seck, who comes from a Griot family, actually wanted to be a professional footballer in Europe. However, fortunately for the Senegalese music scene, it did not happen. With the help of his well-known father, Thione Seck, he was able to find his feet in Dakar with his band, ‘Raam Daan’, and start-out on his career as a (later-starting) musician. His current album, ‘Xel’ (Spirit), has now made musical history in Senegal – in fact, it is the most purchased album in the whole of Senegal. The singer, composer, author, and also an actor, was chosen as the ‘Man of the Year 2014’ by the ‘Observatory of Music and Arts’ organisation (OMART), and he, and his big band, are going to be performing at the International Africa Festival in Germany for the first time.

Photo: © Issa Tall

Showbeginn: 8.00 p.m.

SARA TAVARES

THE CAPEVERDIAN ISLANDS FINEST VOICE

‘Mana Sara’, as she is affectionately called by her friends, has been seen as one of the discoveries of the festival since her first appearance at the 13th Africa Festival in 2001. Born and raised in Lisbon, she had to find her way in the streets of the city early on without her Cape Verdean parents. The music helped her find her way. At the age of 15, she won her first music awards and, at the latest with her album, ‘Mi Ma Bo’, produced with the help of Lokua Kanza, also made her international breakthrough. With her distinctive voice, she has become one of the icons of the new generation of African-born people in urban Portugal. After seven years of creative rest, she is now on tour with her latest work, ‘Coisas Bunitas’, and you can now have the pleasure of seeing her perform again. SHORT-TERM CHANGED  ELIDA ALMEIDA

Photo: © Bugs Steffen

Showtime: 10.00 p.m.

SALIF KEITA

THE LEGEND FROM MALI

The pioneer of world music will be seen on the stage of the Africa Festival for the sixth time. Born in 1949, in the small village of Djoliba in Mali, this exceptional artist can trace his family back to the founder of the Mali Empire, Soundiata Keita, in the 13th century. However, as an albino, he was only accepted by his own family after his artistic successes. He is committed to the Albinos of Africa cause and has been rightly honoured with the coveted ‘Africa Festival Award’. “The music is like a tree. The roots are African, the trunk is jazz, and all the branches, twigs and fruits are the different stylistic directions”, he explained. Salif Keita himself has now climbed all the heights of this music tree and will enrapture the audience once again with his current musical treasure.

Photo: © Bugs Steffen

Showbeginn: 8.00 p.m.

ENEIDA MARTA

THE GREAT VOICE FROM GUINEA-BISSAU

Life, love and a homage to strong women – these are the subjects of the songs of UNICEF-Ambassador, Eneida Marta. She composes herself, but is also inspired by the great male artists of her country, such as Ernesto Dabo or Zé Manel. She creates gentle Kora sounds, jazzy piano chords and sparkling guitar riffs, which are lightly combined with the rhythms of her country, and enhances these sounds with her extraordinary voice in Portuguese or Guinea-Bissau Creole. Indeed the greatest compliment was paid to her by Lokua Kanza who said “I've never been to Guinea-Bissau, but when I hear Eneida Marta’s voice, I understand the country straight away!” The audience is sure to be convinced of this when they hear her at her German premiere at the International Africa Festival.

Photo: © Eneida Marta

Showtime: 7.00 p.m.

MAREMA

FINEST GROOVES FROM SENEGAL

Marema Fall, the power-woman from Senegal, delighted the audience on the open stage at the 27th Africa Festival. She has won several awards and, after receiving the RFI Award 2014 in the category ‘Best female artist of Africa’, has been seen as a ‘shooting star’ in her native West African native country. She learned her musical craft at the music school of the ‘Douta Seck’ cultural centre. Her mentor, Edu Bocande, encouraged her to not only work traditionally, but also to experiment with other styles, such as rock, pop or jazz. Under the production management of Alpha Blondy's guitarist and arranger, Mao Otayeck, she made her breakthrough with her singles, ‘Femme d'affaires’ and ‘My Friend’. Now there is her great performance in the main tent to enjoy!

Photo: © Stéphane Tourné

Showtime: 9.00 p.m.

DELLÉ

HOT REGGAE VIBES WITH GERMAN-GHANAIAN ROOTS

Born in Berlin, Frank Allessa Dellé, the son of a Ghanaian doctor and a German nurse, spent several of his school years in Tamale in northern Ghana. Experiencing a variety of life situations and his first work with the ‘Positive Vibrations’ Reggae formation, he has (as a trained film sound engineer) now landed again in Berlin and, as their front man and a co-creator of their sound, has joined the band, ‘Seeed’. The multi-talented Dellé, whose qualities are also popular with German film productions, has always followed his own song ideas over the years. With his current album, ‘Neo’, he has now hit the big time and this has catapulted him into the highest category of a German Reggae musician. So, to end the festival, it is time to rock out again!

Photo: © Tino Pohlmann | Heynstudios

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016:

HOT WATER BAND

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 stage, backed up by a mix of stellar South African musicians as diverse as the country itself, you can’t sit still…! The music – ‘South African Folk-Rock,’ Copley calls it – layers the sounds of traditional mbaqanga, kwela and maskanda with a more contemporary folk-rock vibe and utterly danceable rhythms, woven through with 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)

Photo: © Hylton Boucher

Hugh Masekela

The South African Music Legend

The Rolling Stone Magazin describes the man with the horn as one of the most thrilling live performers. The two times Grammy awarded artist is Africa’s most important Jazz and world musician. The artist who will celebrate his 77 th birthday, already played together with star singers such as Miriam Makeba and Nina Simone and jazz stars such as Miles Davis and John Coltrane. We are delighted to announce that Hugh Masekela will enthuse the audience of the Africa Festival for the third time. Together with his exceptional band he will perform danceable Afro beats and wonderful South African township Jazz from his new CD.

Photo: © Brett Rubin

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016:

Lura

WESTAFRICAN GROOVES FROM THE CAPEVERDIAN ISLANDS

Lura was born in Lisbon. Her parents are from the Cape Verde Islands. Thus she inherited the blood from the African islands. When she was 17, she started her career as a singer when Juka, who was born in Sao Tomé & Principe, booked her for a duet. Many collaborations with artists like Bonga, Tito Paris, as well as the unforgettable Cesaria Evora followed. In 2005 she started her solo career with her album “Di Korpu Ku Alma” which received a number of awards. In 2007, she performed successfully at the 19th Africa Festival. While the songs of most singers from the Cape Verde Islands are more melancholic, Lura will show us with her songs, which feature Batuku and Funaná elements, that the African rhythm fire also blazes on the Cape Verde islands.

Photo: © N'Krumah Lawson Daku

Cuba Vista & Guests

TRADITIONAL SON, SALSA AND RUMBA

The excellent band with singer Mireya Coba Cantero will take the audience on a journey through Cuba‘s most beautiful musical landscapes. Energetic son, fiery salsa and moving rumba create a good mood and make you want to dance. Anyone who likes the music of “Buena Vista Social Club“ should listen to the music of Cuba Vista. Several guest musicians will join the band on stage.

SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2016:

LOKUA KANZA

MUSICAL POET FROM THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

The singer and guitar player Pascal Lokua Kanza was born in Democratic Republic of Congo. After his studies at the Kinshasa Music Conservatory, he relocated to Paris and studied jazz music. From 1991 he played with the Soul Makossa Band of Manu Dibango. His debut album was released in 1994 and awarded as “Best African Album“ at the African Music Awards. For the first time he enthused the audience at the Africa Festival in 1995, with his poetic and soft ballads. He is also in great demand as a producer for many African artists because of his distinct musical sense. He is one of the most popular artists of the festival. By popular request we invited him again. He will bring along his daughter Maleika who has already performed at the open stage before.

Photo: © Christophe Campana

TIKEN JAH FAKOLY

BEST AFRICAN ROOTS REGGAE FROM COTE D´IVOIRE

Doumbia Moussa Fakoly has become one of the most important voices of the African continent. With his driven lyrics he brings up the grievances of Africa and thus mobilizes young people to change something about their social and political status. Unfortunately, because of his outspokenness he had to leave his hometown Odienné in the North of the Ivory Coast in 2003 and was exiled to Mali. Now the son of a griot lives in Bamako. In his studio he recorded his last project "Racines", which is a great hommage to reggae artists like Bob Marley or Burning Spear, and brought it to places as far away as Jamaica. After his energetic performances in 2001 and 2006 he will once again enthuse the audience with his fine roots Reggae made in West Africa!

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2016:

Cuban Beats All Stars

Hip Hop Meets Salsa and Rumba Beats

Until their break up in 2009, Orishas were worldwide mega stars and the most successful hip hop band from Cuba. Their successful performance at the 12th Africa Festival in 2000 was their first appearance in Germany. Now the majority of the original members have formed a new band. They called themselves Cuban Beats All Stars (CBAS) and also managed to get the exceptional musician, singer and composer Nelson Palacios on board who also plays various instruments. An exciting mixture of typical Cuban sounds and different instruments combined with electronic sounds, samples and fat urban beats!

Photo: © Tom Kramer

Raul Paz

Latin Pop Star From Cuba

When the Cuban singer and composer Raul Paz performed at the Africa Festival for the first time in 2005, he was still living in France. In the meantime, he has returned to Havana, the city which is currently experiencing a great cultural and musical renewal. His style of music makes him one of the most important representatives of new Cuban music. His concerts in Cuba sell out even with little advertising. On his new CD “Ven Ven“, which he will perform at the 28th Africa Festival, Raul Paz mixes a modern Caribbean cocktail with the ingredients Latino pop, salsa, socca, reggae and rumba. His songs always feature fat horn sets and excellent percussionists. It will be a great “noche cubana“ of dancing!

Photo: © Christophe Berlet

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016:

OLIVIER TSHIMANGA

GUITAR VIRTUOSO FROM THE DEMOcRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Olivier is an exceptional guitar virtuoso who has already played with the greatest of the African music scene, namely Papa Wemba, Youssou N’Dour, Lokua Kanza (with whom he is actually preparing a project), Manu Dibango, Ray Lema etc. Today, as a solo performer, he creates a colourful musical show accompanied by excellent musicians, a show that reflects the quality of this talented musician striving to excellence.

LEBO

SOUTH AFRICAN URBAN AFRO SOUL

The South African singer-songwriter, Lebo Masemola, was born in the small town of Marishane in the province of Limpopo. Although she was still mostly singing to her beloved cows as a little girl, she moved to Europe when she was 17. She quickly found her feet in Hamburg and broke into the local music scene there. After collaborating with Nneka, Dube, the Sisters and Adé Bantu, she’s now carrying out her own projects, and she’ll be presenting us with songs from her new album, “Sister Gwen”, to get our festival underway.

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016:

KARYNA GOMES

TRADITIONAL & MODERN SOUNDS FROM GUINEA-BISSAU

Her father comes from Guinea, her mother from the Cape Verde Islands, but Karyna Silva Gomes Cerqueira was born in Guinea-Bissau. Her first musical steps in the choir of a Gospel band and her membership in Adriano Ferreira’s band Super Mama Djombo were the stepping stones to her solo career. She describes her fusion songs as “My music from Guinea-Bissau”. With her music she will present traditional as well as modern infl uences from her home. The Africa Festival will feature a group from Guinea-Bissau for the first time.

LENI STERN’S AFRICAN TRIO

GERMAN JAZZ MEETS THE MALI BLUES ROOTS

When German jazz and blues guitarist Leni Stern performed at the “Festival au Desert“ in Mali she was really smitten. There she played with Salif Keita and Baaba Maal and she was immediately mesmerized by the music, country and people. Later she was introduced to the ngoni by Bassekou Kouyate and his wife Amy Nacko. She learned how to play it and love it. Now she is cooperating with bassist Mamadou Ba and percussionist Alioune Faye and is following the West African roots in a very impressive way.

Photo: © Sandrine Lee

VALÉRIE EKOUMÈ

CAMEROON’S FINEST VOICE

Youssou N’Dour, MC Solar, Meiway, Papa Wemba, Koffi Olomidé or the great Manu Dibango - there is hardly any African artist in Paris who hasn’t worked with this excellent singer and backing vocal. It is no surprise that it is now fi nally time for this singer to go her own way. She will perform her CD “Djaale”, which is sung in Duala, with the sun of her home country Cameroon in her heart for the first time at the Africa Festival.

SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2016:

AMI

YOUNG VOICE WITH CARIBBEAN ROOTS

In 2014 she was already celebrated for her fi rst solo CD “Part of me” as newcomer of the year in the German music scene. Her father, the friendly fusion jazz & reggae musician Wally Warning from the Caribbean island Aruba, has already supported her playing the guitar and writing songs early on. Now she is 20 years old and interprets her sensitive acoustic soul and world music folk in the style of Ayo. At the Africa Festival she will perform her new CD which will be released in spring.

Photo: © Steffen Bugs

JAHCOUSTIX

REGGAE MADE IN GERMANY WITH WORLD ROOTS

Diplomatensohn Dominik Haas, alias “Jahcoustix”, war schon in jungen Jahren durch die Tätigkeit seines Vaters als Botschafter stets mit den unterschiedlichsten Kulturen, Menschen und Strömungen in Kontakt gekommen. Ägypten, Ghana, New York, Mexiko und Liberia waren seine Lebensstationen. Mit 19, in Kenia, lernte er den Reggae kennen und lieben. Seine Kooperationen mit den Reggae Formationen Headcornerstone und Dubious Neighbourhood ebneten ihm den Weg, als Solokünstler ebenfalls erfolgreich zu sein.

NNEKA

HIP-HOP, DUB REGGAE & AFROBEAT SOUL FROM NIGERIA

This delicate ball of energy from Warri/Nigeria is not only a gifted song writer and singer but in the meantime she has also turned into one of the most important and infuential voices of the African continent. Whether she appears in talkshow, print media or plays at festivals, her performances are not only about music but also about a message and enlightenment. As a world traveller she lives in Paris, Hamburg or Lagos. Seven years after her first performance at Mainwiesen, the audience can again look forward to listening to this exceptional artist.

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2016:

OSAIN DEL MONTE

MASTER OF AFROCUBAN RUMBA

Rumba is the rhythm oft he black slaves from Africa. The music was created in the black quarters of Havana and Mantanza. Rumba combines music, rhythm, songs, dance and storytelling to form one unit and social event. The music group Osain del Monte was founded in Havana in 2013. The musicians come from famous Cuban bands like “Folklorico Nacional“, “Clave y Guaguanco“ and “Yoruba Andabo“. Four percussionists, four singers and two dancers turn the performance into a powerful event!

Photo: © Christian Lieblich

LA DAME BLANCHE

RAP, REGGAE AND NU CUMBIA FROM CUBA

Yaite Ramos is the daughter of Jesus “Aguaje“ Ramos (musical director of the “Buena Vista Social Club Orchestra“). She played the flute and sang for Sergent Garcia and was the lead singer of El Hijo de la Cumbia. Her debut album “Piratas“ (2014) was produced by French beat maker and sound technician Marc Damblé (Sergent Garcia, Amadou & Mariam, Orishas). “La Dame Blanche“ presents urban music which combines rap, reggae and nu cumbia.

Photo: © Victor Delfim

ZULEMAX

HOT CUBAN SALSA AND MORE

The band ZuleMax consisting of 12 women was founded by Zulema Hechavarria Blanco who is a singer, flute player and percussionist from Santiago de Cuba. A great passion for Cuban music is what connects the women of the band. Besides Cuban salsa the professional musicians also present the musical styles cha-cha-cha, mambo and guaguanco which have enriched the salsa of today. A big set of horns, fiery percussionists, singers and dancers invite the audience to dance along and have an unforgettable party!

29th AFRICA FESTIVAL

27th AFRICA FESTIVAL

OUM

THE SOUL OF MOROCCO

For a long time already, singer Oum has captured the hearts of the people in her country and is worshiped like a diva. Now, she sets out to make career in the rest of the world. After the successful release of two albums in Morocco, “Soul of Morocco” is her first international album, which is said to open up many doors for her. To Moroccan Gnawa rhythms she adds well dosed sounds of Jazz, a bit of Pop, Rhythm and Blues as well as some Soul and Funk. The studied architect brings the different elements of her genre mix in a stable balance on which her impressive and expressive voice can sumptuously unfold. Oum’s “Soul of Morocco” has got everything to ingratiate in the ear canals. We are convinced that this charismatic singer is going to gain many hearts with her live-performance – the insider tip of this year’s festival.

KLAUS DOLDINGER

PASSPORT TO MOROCCO

When Klaus Doldinger, together with his project “Passport to Morocco” attended the Africa Festival for the very first time in 2009 – newspapers wrote that “hopefully this wasn’t his last performance at the Africa Festival”. It was with great pleasure that we invited him again for another brilliant concert. That “Passport to Morocco” must be part of next years’ festival was clear very quick - with North Africa being one of the main focuses of our programme. Fortunately, Doldinger - who will celebrate his 79th birthday this year – agreed immediately. He is going to add exceptional Moroccan soloists to his band “Passport” and transports the classic Maghreb sound into the 21st century. An exciting musical adventure is guaranteed.

FRIDAY, JUNE 5TH, 2015:

MOH! KOUYATE & SPECIAL GUEST MARIAMA

URBAN AFROPOP FROM WESTAFRICA 

The singer and virtuoso guitarist Moh! Kouyate was born in Guinea and comes from the tradition of the Griot singers. Moh! developed his very own guitar style which is based on native Mandika rhythms and thus impressed many colleagues. On the current CD of the Malian diva Fatoumata Diawara (Africa Festival Award 2013), he played on several songs – but also the American Blues man Corey Harris recorded some excellent versions of Blues classics together with him. He lives in Paris since 2007 - there he met the singer and songwriter Mariama from Sierra Leone who started her career in the band of Ade Bantu. Together they play a modern, global and happy Afropop which goes through ears and legs. Two newcomers who make you wanting more.

HABIB KOITE & BAMADA

NEW BAND AND NEW SONGS FROM MALI

There is indeed a good reason why the singer and guitarist Habib Koite returns to the Africa Festival only two years after his last performance. Meanwhile, he totally rebuilt his band Bamada – which can be heard on his new album called “Soo”. The kora disappeared and was replaced by a banjo and a keyboard which do merge with Habib’s drums and guitar. Again, he reunites the sounds of the multi-ethnic state Mali on his new CD – he sings about friendship and friends and calls for a peaceful coexistence, which nowadays is more important than ever after all the recent and past happenings. Habib Koite didn’t drastically reinvent his music but decent- and stylishly developed what so many of his fans, all around the world, do love about him.

NAMVULA

RISING STAR FROM SAMBIA

In 2014 Namvula Rennie, a young singer, guitar player and composer, achieved something extraordinary with her CD debut „Shiwezwa": Although she is not widely known yet, the big British newspaper Sunday Times ranked her album seventh among the 100 best records of the year. Back then Namvula was overwhelmed and posted this message on her Facebook page:„ohmygodohmygodohmygodOHMYGOD!!!!" Her remarkable style, which includes a lot of African vibes from her home country Sambia, some Jazz and Latin, as well as European folklore, is infectious when you hear it for the first time.We are delighted to present her first concert in Germany and sure that she will continue on her way. An insider's tipp of the Festival.

LIRA

AFROSOUL FROM SOUTH AFRICA

For some she is the successor of Miriam Makeba, others praise her as the South African Beyoncé. Singer Lira can't be categorized easily. Afrojazz, Rhythm and Blues, Soul, but also Pop - nothing is foreign to her and she isn't afraid of new things. For this approach she is celebrated in South Africa and also internationally. In 2010 she performed a touching version of „Pata Pata" with Hugh Masekela at the opening ceremony for the Football World Cup. For her last CD she was honoured with many awards. But Lira is not only a charismatic singer of the post-apartheid generation, she is also politically active. In Würzburg she was already celebrated enthusiastically at the Africa Festival in 2009. Welcome back, Lira, the Queen of Afrosoul.

SUNDAY, JUNE 7TH, 2015:

BOB MAGHRIB

BOB MARLEY GOES GNAWA

The motley crew of six from Morocco belong to the protagonists of a recently very popular type of music – the Gnawa Reggae. The rather tranquil dance sound of the Gnawa gets spiced up with reggae rhythms. In addition, the people of Bob Maghrib add a very special note: They exclusively play songs of the reggae icon Bob Marley. To do so, they use traditional Moroccan instruments as for example a Ribab (a kind of one-stringed violin), an Oud (Arabic sounds), a Guembri (Gnawa sounds) or the Ghaita (an oboe-like wind instrument). That might seem and indeed is bizarre, but sounds fantastic and has a high fun factor.

MO'KALAMITY
AND THE WIZARDS

REGGAE PRINCESS FROM CAPE VERDE

The first song, which the Cape Verdean singer Mo’Kalamity wrote and recorded, had the significant title “Africa”. When still young, she moved to Paris and brought along her musical African heritage. Fascinated by Caribbean and African-American sounds, she soon felt attracted by reggae. In 2004, after she had collected her first experience as a background singer, she founded her own band - “The Wizards”. At many festivals, the collective quickly made itself a name, as front women are rather an exception in reggae. They will present their new CD – “Freedom of the soul” – at the Africa Festival.

Thursday, June 4th 2015:

ROMAN BUNKA & SHAMANDURA PROJECT

MUSIC FROM THE NILE

When it comes to the music of North Africa, we simply had to invite the oud virtuoso with a Würzburg background again. This time his Shamandura project performs as a trio and will open the festival by presenting the music of the Nile valley. Roman Bunka will be accompanied by the Sudanese percussionist and oud player Mohamed Badawi as well as the Egyptian percussionist Ayman Mabrouk.

MATONA & THE ZANZIBAR TAARAB ORCHESTRA

TRADITIONAL TAARAB MUSIC FROM ZANZIBAR

The composer and musician Matona comes from an old family of musicians. His father and grandfather have already been well-known oud players in Zanzibar. Together with 9 musicians of the Dhow Countries Music Academy, Matona is going to present the traditional Taarab music. In addition to the oud, you can hear the Egyptian zither, violin, accordion, flute and percussion instruments. The singers Amina and Mariam also present songs from the times of the sultans in Zanzibar.

Friday, June 5th 2015:

DRISS EL MALOUMI

THE SOUND OF MAGHREB

It is not without good reason that Driss El Maloumi from Agadir is also called the “Oud magician”. When the Moroccan plays the Arabic lute it sometimes actually borders on magic. With his trio he interprets the traditional music of Morocco, which also includes flamenco elements, in a modern context. Thus it is indeed possible that the sound of the Berbers can meet jazzy tones.

MALIKA ZARRA

MOROCCOS JAZZ JEWEL

She was born in a small town in the Southern part of Morocco called Ouled Teima. When she was still young she and her family moved to France. There she learned to play clarinet and that’s how she discovered Jazz. On her second CD “Berber Taxi“ she explores the depths of her Moroccan musical heritage, especially her Berber roots. CNN International called her “Morocco’s Jazz Jewel“.

DISSIDENTEN & MOHAMED MOUNIR

WORLDBEAT PIONEERS MEET EGYPT’S SUPERSTAR

The Dissidenten were already playing the world beat when the term didn’t even exist yet. As one of the first European bands they explored the North African space of sound, where they became famous with songs such as “Sahara Electric” or “Telephone Arab”. With the singer Mohamed Mounir they bring along a true megastar. In his home country the Egyptian performs in front of hundreds of thousands of fans who named him “King of Kings”. Mounir has managed to unite the traditional music of Egypt with Western pop. For many years, the guitarist of the Dissidenten, Roman Bunka, has been a permanent member of Mounir’s band. Dissidenten and Mounir – an inspiring encounter for the fans of North African music.

Saturday, June 6th 2015:

SHISHANI & THE AFRO NAMIBIAN TALES

AFRO-FOLK FROM NAMIBIA

Shishani is a young singer from Namibia, a country that has not been featured too often at the Africa Festival yet. With a soulful voice she presents urban Afro-folk and also includes political matters into her songs. This is reminiscent of Nneka or Tracy Chapman.

MAREMA

WINNER OF RFI AWARD 2014 FROM SENEGAL

Although the Senegalese Marema has only published a few songs yet – she won the first prize as Africa’s best female newcomer last year. The prize is awarded annually by the French radio station RFI, which gives listeners as well as a panel of experts the decision-making power. Marema immediately convinced with her song “femme d’affaires”.

MINYESHU

POP FROM ETHIOPIA

Minyeshu, an Ethiopian singer and dancer who has been living in Europe for some time, already performed at the Africa Festival in 2004 and 2009. Since then the exceptional performer has again evolved quite a bit, as her latest CD “Black Ink” proves. Each song is unique and Minyeshu shows how she can combine both musical worlds, in which she lives, in style. It is not an arbitrary style mix of Ethiopop, Funk, Blues, Jazz and Pop, but an independent musical language.

Sunday, June 7th 2015:

ADJIRI ODAMETEY

CROSSOVER MUSIC FROM GHANA

A warm earthy voice is the trademark of the Ghanian singer-songwriter Adjiri Odametey. This voice combined with the sounds of native African instruments, including kora, kalimba, mbira and balafon, captivates listeners. “As an ambassador of authentic African music, Adjiri effortlessly succeeds as a crossover artist“ writes the German Newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung.

WALLY & AMI WARNING

A FAMILY AFFAIR FROM ARUBA

Wally and Ami Warning are father and daughter. Wally comes from the Caribbean island Aruba, his daughter Ami grew up in Munich where both of them live today. Wally is a very talented musician who is able to play a large number of various instruments. Ami sings, plays bass and guitar. She is currently being celebrated for her debut album “Part of me” as newcomer of the year 2014. Both understand each other implicitly and their melodious songs invite you to dream and relax.

PAPA JULIUS & ZION NEXUS

REGGAE FROM GHANA

As a member of the group Adesa, Papa Julius has already been a part of the Africa Festival for a long time. This year he is going to present his very own band Zion Nexus and the compositions of their new album called “Mango Tree”. These original pieces of music are based on reggae, ragga and dancehall and draw their spiritual strength from the roots of the Ghanaian joy of life and the energetic soul of West Africa.

28th AFRICA FESTIVAL

26th AFRICA FESTIVAL

THURSDAY, 29 MAY 2014:

GASANDJI

THE FESTIVAL INSIDER

FATOUMATA DIAWARA

FOLK POET FROM MALI

Ever since she released her debut album "Fatou" in 2011 her popularity steadily increases. She already proved her talent at the 25th Africa Festival on the Open Stage. She even got awarded with the Africa Festival Award 2013. When the song poet learned from the extent of last yearʼs flood, she spontaneously decided to play again in Würzburg. On stage, the composer, singer, dancer and guitarist is a real pleasure for eyes and ears. But she also knows how to transmit important content - as a fighter and ambassadress for peace, freedom, justice and womenʼs rights.

FRIDAY, 30 MAY 2014:

MAYRA ANDRADE

WORLD POP
FROM CAPE VERDE

The singer and composer Mayra Andrade is part of a young generation of Cape Verdean musicians. Following the legacy of Cesaria Evora, they brought the music of Cape Verde back into the spotlight. Based on their traditional roots, they opened up for new influences such as Pop and Chanson. In 2006, the Africa Festival presented Mayra for the first time. At that time, the 22-year-old singer and composer was rather traditionally oriented. Nowadays, she is stylistically open and refers to her new album “Lovely Difficult” as Cape Verdean Pop Music – not denying her origins. The 28-year-old, sings in French, English, Portuguese and Creole. Today, she is one of the most important voices of Cape Verde.

GARIFUNA COLLECTIVE

THE RHYTHM OF BELIZE

Five years after the legendary Andy Palacio passed away – his former band members, the Garifuna Collective, continue his mission and bring it into the future. Palacio, who gave a memorable concert at the Africa Festival in 2007, had the aim to save the music of the Central American mini-state Belize and to make it accessible for more people. Shortly after the release of his CD “Watina”, Andy Palacio died from a heart attack in 2008. His former band members needed five years to recover the shock until they became active again in 2013 with their new album “Ayo” – but with a slightly different constellation. Now theyʼre back and the collective of men and women shows that the Garifuna music didnʼt loose any of its appeal. Driving rhythms - played on traditional drums, intense call and response-chants and all kinds of stringed instruments create an infectious conglomerate that draws deep from Africaʼs history.

SATURDAY, 31 MAY 2014:

THE JOLLY BOYS

POP GOES MENTO

The Jolly Boys are a music group from Port Antonio in Jamaica. For nearly 60 years, the band, with its original members, still plays the Mento - the traditional Folklore Music of Jamaica. A music style that is considered as predecessor of Ska and Reggae. The most important Mento instruments are banjo, guitar, maracas, bongos and the rumba box (a sort of Cajon). In 2009, after a long and busy career, they were rediscovered by producer Jon Baker who made them record an album with famous rock hits in the mento sound. This abruptly brought them back into the spotlight. Whoever wants to know how “Rehab” from Amy Winehouse, “Riders on the Storm” from the Doors or “Ring of Fire” from Jonny Cash sound like when they are rotated by the “Mento-mill”, needs to listen to these young-at-heart old men. Party and fun guaranteed!

CALYPSO ROSE

QUEEN OF CALYPSO

When Calypso Rose from the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago is dancing on stage and joking with the audience - you hardly notice her 74 years. That's when she develops an irresistible energy and power - wrapping her fans around her finger with the help of her broad smile - in seconds. The Calypso Queen, who has written around 800 songs and recorded 25 albums, emits charm and charisma which is hard to resist. They call her "Queen of Calypso"- and she really is a true ambassador of Caribbean music. The talented performer creates a hot Calypso-party and literally transforms the atmosphere into the Caribbean Carneval.

SUNDAY, 1 JUNE 2014:

Y'AKOTO

JAZZY AFRO-SOUL

In 2011, the Afro-German singer Yʼakoto delighted the audience at the Africa Festival with her jazzy Afro-Soul from her debut album “Baby Blues”. The daughter of a Ghanaian father and a German mother was born in Hamburg, but spent very much of her youth in African countries such as Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, together with her parents. Thatʼs how she became a wanderer between the worlds and this is also reflected in her music, which draws from various sources. She commutes restless between styles and forms them to a new whole. Nothing seems strange to her and she doesnʼt fear any contact with new music. She combines Pop, Jazz and Soul with a significant Afro-Approach and puts them together to an own, individual style. And not to forget - her strong stage presence. For this yearʼs Africa Festival - Yʼakoto is going to present her brand new album which will be released in early 2014.

CHEIKH LO

SALSA MEETS MBALAX

The singer and guitarist Cheikh Lô comes from a small town called Bobo Dioulasso in Burkina Faso near the Malian border. The son of Senegalese parents, who went to Dakar in 1978, is difficult to classify when it comes to his music. He grew up with Cuban Son and Salsa and soon added Senegalese Mbalax, Wassoulou from Mali, but also pan-African styles such as Highlife, Funk and Afropop, to his music. Until today, the man with the impressive dreadlocks, has remained loyal to this ecstatic grooving mix. Alongside Youssou N'Dour, he is one of the most important voices of Senegal and we finally managed to invite him for the Africa Festival.

THURSDAY, 29 MAY 2014:

BIBOUL DAROUICHE & SOLEIL BANTU

JAZZY AFROBEAT

The singer and percussionist Biboul Darouiche from Cameroon and his band Soleil Bantu enrich polyrhythmic Afrobeat and Afrojazz with a spicy breeze of Rap and Pop. Darouiche himself as well as drummer Christian Lettner, guitarist Martin Scales and keyboarder Michael Hornek play at Klaus Doldingers legendary band “Passport”. The versed musicians don´t have any trouble to play this racy style mix and the audience will have high spirits within very short time.

NOMSA MAZWAI

RISING STAR FROM JO’BURG

At home, the South African singer Nomsa Mazwai is getting predictions for a great future. Originally she is from Johannesburg and grew up in Soweto. She already found her own style of music, where she puts together her poetry texts with elements of Classic Jazz, Drum & Bass, Neo Soul, electronic tones and African rhythms. Even though she is at the beginning of her career, her first CD has been awarded with the South African prize for the best African alternative album.

FRIDAY, 30 MAY 2014:

MALAIKA KANZA

YOUNG VOICE FROM CONGO

Malaika Kanza from the Democratic Republic of Congo gained her first musical experience in the band of her famous father Lokua Kanza, who is a popular regular guest at the Africa Festival. Now she is starting to promote her own career with her extraordinary voice. Musically she follows the traces of her father, but you can also clearly recognize her own style.

DEBADEMBA

MANDINGUE MEETS BLUES

Debademba means „big family” in the language of the Bambara. In the center of this family are the virtuoso guitarist Abdoulaye Traoré from Burkina Faso and the expressive singer Mohamed Diaby. The duo doesnʼt know any fear of contact. Therefore you will find Mandingue structures, Arabic influence as well as rocky and bluesy tones in their songs. It is amazing that this variety of musical influences create such dense and homogenous songs, which are able to cast the audience into their spell immediately.

FM LAETI

SUNNY SONGS FROM GUADELOUPE

The singer from the Caribbean island Guadeloupe was supposed to play at the 25th Africa Festival - but unfortunately her planned concert literally fell into the (high) water. She already got in touch with music as a teenager, because her father played drums with the Zouk-pioneers Kassav. Her songs are characterised by irresistible melodic richness and a happy ease. Best example: her hit “Rise in the Sun”, which musically lets the sun shine.

SATURDAY, 31 MAY 2014:

MOUNAWAR

FUNK AND MORE FROM COMORE ISLANDS

For the very first time, thereʼs a guest from the Comoros at the Africa Festival - the singer and guitarist Mounawar. The archipelago forms a little state in the Indian Ocean between Mozambique and Madagascar. If you listen to Mounawars headstrong music, you might think that at his concerts the funk is at home. The musician also plays silent tones and besides his accented guitar play, he fascinates with his extraordinary voice. He sings his lyrics in the national language Comoro which is derived from Kiswahili.

LA CARAVANE DU MAGHREB

GNAWA MEETS FLAMENCO

For more than 13 years the musical caravan has been going through the countries with their ritual Gnawa music. They combine traditional instruments like Gimbri, Oud and metal castanets with accordion and the guitar. The Gnawa are an ethnical minority in Morocco, whose ancestors were slaves from West African countries, who have been displaced by force and sold. You will also find the origins of Flamenco in their music.

LINDIGO

MALOYA POWER FROM LA RÉUNION

The collective of musicians from the island La Réunion brings traditional Maloya music to the modern age with their pushing rhythms. Maloya traces back to the African slaves, who have been displaced to be exploited for the sugarcane harvest. The “Blues from Réunion” has not been rediscovered until the 1970s. The focus is on percussion instruments like vibrating bells and drums.

SUNDAY, 1 JUNE 2014:

PUPKULIES & REBECCA
FEATS. TIBAU

WÜRZBURG MEETS CAPE VERDE

This is something new: African music from Würzburg. The electronic duo Pupkulies and Rebecca normally live in another musical scene. But now they got together with the Cape Verdean singer, guitarist and composer Tibau Tavares. Now both worlds of Chanson, House and Pop as well as the Cape Verdean Folk songs seamlessly connect. World Music without frontiers.

ERIK ALIANA

SONGWRITER FROM CAMEROON

The singer and guitarist Erik Aliana comes from a rural area in the north of Cameroon. At an early age he already got in touch with the urban culture of the capital city Yaounde - where he also went to school. In 1999 he founded his band Korongo Jam, which still plays together. The hallmark of the band are easy going songs with infective melodies.

NEUZA

NEW VOICE FROM CAPE VERDE

The singer Neuza comes from the Cape Verdean volcanic island Fogo. Her mother, a famous singer, died when Neuza was six years old. To find a job, she went to the capital city Praia to work as a waitress at a music restaurant. She constantly performed at this place - where she was discovered by a producer, who was astonished by her crystal clear voice. In 2013, she released her first CD “Flor de Bila”, which had greatsuccess at the Cape Verde, as well as in Portugal.

27th AFRICA FESTIVAL

25th AFRICA FESTIVAL

 MANU DIBANGO

Five years ago, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of this wonderful festival, I expressed the wish of a reunion in twenty years time. Since that time, year after year it becomes more and more aware to me, how important this festival is, that celebrates the culture of the African continent – with the best what the continent has to offer. The “International Africa Festival” is entitled to be the European ambassador par excellence to the culture of the African continent, because both the organisers and you the audience, have always indicated their love to Africa by discovering unknown artists and applauding enthusiastically. Since its beginnings 25 years ago more than two million visitors have experienced the concerts, the exhibitions, the movie tent and other activities at the festival. You all have turned this gathering into the largest African Festival in Europe – for this I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart and in the name of all 370 musicians who have per- formed here so far!

This year our thoughts are with Mali, a country suffering due to the tragedy happening at the moment. In the light of this unspeakable disaster we shall not remain unaffected and watch inactive. I invite you all to get involved - in your own way - to confront this barbarism, so that Mali can find its way again towards peace and quiet. I am very proud of being patron of the festival on the occasion of its 25th anniversary just before completing the 80th year of my life and I appreciate this honour. I am certain that a bright future lies ahead of the festival and I am taking the liberty to invite myself to Wuerzburg again, in 20 years time!

Manu Dibango

THURSDAY, 30 MAY 2013

MANU DIBANGO
& SOUL MAKOSSA GANG

LION OF AFRICA
SPECIAL GUEST CHEICK TIDIANE SECK

The saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Manu Dibango is one of the most important African musicians. In 1972, he released his album "Soul Makossa", which contains a mixture of African music, Soul, and Funk. This made him a star, especially in the North American soul scene. On the occasion of his 80th birthday in 2013, Manu Dibango and his programme "Hommage à Mali" will make a stop over at the Africa Festival, accompanied by Cheick Tidiane Seck, the famous Malian jazz musician. Manu Dibango is and always will be a star and an outstanding personality in the music scene - and we are more than happy that he is going to be the patron of our anniversary festival!

FRIDAY, 31 MAY 2013

HABIB KOITÉ
& BAMADA

MAGIC MALI

Habib Koité already performed as „No Name" at the 8th Africa Festival. Back then he enchanted the audience with his magical concert. In the meantime the singer and guitarist has become a celebrated star worldwide and a welcomed guest at the Africa Festival. His unique guitar technique is based on the African instruments like the Kora and Ngoni. Together with his band Bamada and instruments like the Balafon, Talking Drum and Calabash they are weaving a tapestry of sound which allows his wonderful voice to fully unfold. With his music he joins the traditional sound of Mali with the elements of Blues.

SALIF KEITA

THE GOLDEN VOICE OF MALI

The singer and guitarist from Mali belongs to the pioneers of world music. His poignant, often lyrical songs and his magical charisma on stage get under one's skin. Salif Keita's music moves into new dimensions, taking the audience along on a miraculous journey. During his last performance in Wuerzburg in 2009 he received the Africa Festival Award for his commitment for albinos in Africa. At the 25th Africa Festival he will perform the songs of his brand-new album "Talé". Its theme is: "You're welcome to dance!"

SATURDAY, 01 JUNE 2013

Nancy Vieira

The Finest Voice Of Cape Verde!

When listening to Nancy Vieiras music, her extraordinary precise and distinctive voice stands out and has established her reputation as the “finest voice” of the new generation of Cape Verdean singers. Nancy Vieira was born in 1975 in Guinea Bissau. Her parents were supporters of Amilcar Cabral, the great freedom fighter for independence from the Portuguese colonial rule for Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau. When she was 14 years old, her father was appointed Cape Verdean ambassador to Lisbon, where she began her singing career. The classic Portuguese Fado, Cape Verdean Mornas and Brazilian carnival rhythms are also part of her music as well as Pop and Jazz.

YOUSSOU N'DOUR

The golden voice of Senegal

Due to the long standing relationship between Youssou Ndour and the Africa Festival we were able to engage the superstar from Senegal to perform at an exclusive concert at our anniversary festival despite his ministerial duties. Youssou Ndour is, without a doubt, the African superstar par excellence. Our visitors have voted him number 1 at the online voting. In his home country Senegal he is adored – worldwide he is recognized not only for his music, but also for his dedicated fight for African rights and for peace, freedom and democracy. After a yearlong break from performing Youssou Ndour will return – some musical surprises cannot be ruled out!

SUNDAY, 02 JUNE 2013

Jaqee

musical nomad from Uganda

The singer Jaqee originates from Uganda, where she and her parents lived a Nomad life during her childhood. Through this she was able to gather very unique impressions and experiences. This life style also influenced her musical career. She started with R&B and Soul, then added Rock and Blues as well as Caribbean influences and Reggae to her music. Her strong and multifaceted voice has always been distinctive. She consistently takes the liberty to cross musical borders. She was the insiderʼs tip at the 23rd Africa Festival and sang at the Open Stage. This year she will perform with new songs for the first time in the Circus Tent. Her new album will be released just in time for the festival.

ALPHA BLONDY & SOLAR SYSTEM

AFRICA'S REGGAE STAR NO. 1

Alpha Blondy is, after the death of his South African colleague Lucky Dube, the unquestioned number one of the African Reggae scene. The charismatic singer from the Ivory Coast is, besides Tiken Jah Fakoly, the politically most committed prophet of Reggae. Also at the Africa Festival he wowed the audience several times with his fulminate stage show, which led to the fact that tickets for this evening were always sold out quite quickly. Together with his twelve-man band Solar System, he will present music from his recent album "Vision" as well as his most famous songs like “Cocody Rock”, “Jerusalem” and “Apartheid is Nazism”.

THURSDAY, 30 MAY 2013

Tamikrest

Hypnotic Tamashek Music from Mali

Tamikrest are a fascinating Tamashek- (or also: Tuareg-) rockband. They are from Kidal in Northern Mali and their music is hypnotic, psychedelic and very much alive. The music can also be compared to Toumast and Tinariwen. The British music journalist Andy Morgan believes that they are the “best West African band”. The singer of the band, Ousmane Ag Mossa, will talk about the situation in the North of Mali on Friday at 10:30 am in the Tuareg tent.

FATOUMATA DIAWARA

DIVA FROM MALI

Before starting her career as a singer, Fatoumata Diawara had already been a famous dancer and film actress in her second homeland Mali (she was born in the Ivory Coast). During a casting for the first Sahel opera in Mali, the musician and veteran producer Cheikh Tidiane Seck discovered her talent. Her music which she calls “Wassoulou Folk” is a mixture of Soul, Funk, Reggae and the traditional music from Mali. At the festival she will perform songs from her first album “Fatou”.

FRIDAY, 31 MAY 2013:

Leni Stern’s African Trio

Global African Sounds

When in March 2012 the Malian government was overthrown in a coup, the German-American guitarist and singer was in the country to record her new album “Smoke, No Fire” with Senegalese musicians. Unlike with its forerunner “Sabani” she strikes a tougher and rougher note on this album, sung in English and Bambara. But the CD also has softer, hopeful and optimistic songs on it.

Lebo

Singer-Songwriter from South Africa

Lebo Masemola is a young singer from South Africa. With only 17 years she left her homecountry as she wanted to experience new cultures and continents. Her first destination was Germany which should become her second home. For many years now the singer-songwriter and artist has been living and working in Hamburg. After a collaboration with the German-South African ensemble Dube and conducting the choir Gobina, Lebo Masemola now focuses on her own band and first and foremost on her own songs.

Biboul Darouiche & Soleil Bantu

Jazzy Afrobeat

Biboul Darouiche is originally from Yaoundé in Cameroon. Already in his early days he started to make music together with his brothers. In the 1970s he and his family moved to Munich where he still lives. He has performed not only with jazz stars like Al Di Meola, Till Brönner or Randy Brecker, but also with many African musicians. For many years he has been a steady member of Klaus Doldingers band “Passport”. Also at Soleil Bantu several “Passport”-musicians are active where they celebrate fiery and jazzy Afrobeat.

SATURDAY, 01 JUNE  2013

Malick Pathé Sow & Bao Sissoko

Acoustic Journey to senegal

Malick Pathé Sow descends from a famous Senegalese Griot family and was born into the traditional music of his people, the Fula. Already as a child he was attracted to the Hoddu (a five stringed West African lute). For ten years he played together with the famous Senegalese singer Baaba Maal. Also the Kora player Bao Sissoko originates from a well known Senegalese Griot family. The interaction between Kora and Hoddu is an acoustic adventure trip for Malick and Bao. During these trips they are able to fully grasp the full sound potential of both instruments.

FM Laeti

New Sound of Guadeloupe

The singer FM Laeti is from the Caribbean island Guadeloupe. At an early age she lived in France, Switzerland and Canada with her parents where she discovered various kinds and styles of music. Her personal favourites are very different artists like Nina Simone, Lauryn Hill, Bill Withers, Bob Marley, Salif Keita, Miles Davis or Bob Dylan. Also in her own music she uses different styles and is just about to establish herself as an independent singer-songwriter. The insiderʼs tip of the festival!

Romi Anauel & the Soldiers of Ra

Global Worldbeat

The expressive singer and talented dancer Romi Anauel became famous as the lead singer of the worldmusic band Terrakota. The singer, who originates from Angola, left Terrakkota after twelve years in order to record her first soloalbum with the Soldiers of Ra. On this record she offers an adventurous mix of Soul and African Roots together with Ghanaian Highlife, Jazz, Reggae, Funk and Afro-Cuban sounds. A wild mix which the band, consisting of eleven musicians, merges into a breath-taking, unique and hypnotic style.

SUNDAY, 02 JUNE 2013

Uwe Banton

Roots Reggae outta Germoney

The veteran of the German Roots Reggae scene is doing us the honour! Already back in the eighties he toasted in Clubs and started playing with various bands in 1992. His current record “Mental War” spoils us with wonderful riddims and lyrics on the highest level. This does not come as a surprise as he invited the best musicians of the Reggae scene to participate (among them were Gentlemanʼs Evolution Band, Feueralarm and Samy Deluxe). As his special guest he will bring Jahcoustix along to the concert. We are looking forward to a first class Roots Reggae Party!

Ntjam Rosie

Nu-Soul/Nu-Jazz/ Soul-Jazz

Ntjam Rosie belongs to the new generation of African singers in Europe. Originally from Cameroon, but living in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Her album “Elle” has received acclaimed reviews with the Dutch press and her work was also awarded with several prices. On the occasion of the award the jury of the Dutch World Music Day stated: “Her powerful voice and distinctive style creates an astonishing set full of soul and energy.” A further insider tip of the festival...

Fetsum

Urban Folk and Soul

The singer with Eritrean roots was born in Egypt and this lucky coincidence helped him to get away from the brutal civil war in Eritrea. It does not come as a surprise that he called his debute album “Colours of Hope”! In the sociocritically lyrics he reflects his own life with his warm and soulful voice. Fetsum describes his music as “Urban Folk”, which mixes profund Soul, stirring Afrobeat and energetic Reggae. When the singer Patrice heard his extraordinary voice, he was so impressed that he invited him to join him for his European tour.

26th AFRICA FESTIVAL

24th ARICA FESTIVAL

FRIDAY, 25 Mai 2012

STARS VON DEN KAPVERDEN UND SENEGAL

Omar Pene

MBALAX LEGEND FROM SENEGAL

The singer and composer Omar Pene was born in 1956 in Dakar and is one of the most important Mbalax singers in his home country Senegal. He is seen as a legend and his voice is considered to be one of the most beautiful ones of the entire world music scene. In 1974 he founded his band Super Diamono de Dakar. Omar Pene influenced west - African pop music at least as heavily as Youssou NʼDour. It is also NʼDour who, jokingly, described him as his ʻrivalʼ, but also calls him a living legend of African music. Omar Pene mixes the classical Mbalax style with elements of jazz, reggae and salsa, which makes his music sound quite divers.

Sara Tavares 

THE VOICE OF CAPE VERDEAN ISLANDS

Sara Tavares is a discovery of the Africa Festival. She had one of her first bigger performances in 2001 in Würzburg, where she always enjoys returning to. The musical roots of the in Portugal living singer are placed on the Cape Verdean Islands, the native country of her parents. The islands also play a major role in the inspiration of her music. Besides the Morna, the blues of Cape Verde, and the Fado, the blues of Portugal, Sara Tavares works with elements of pop, soul, jazz and African rhythms to create a unique and distinctive style of music. Her most recent album “Xinti” is a proof of how well she has perfected this style mixture.

SATURDAY, 26 MAI 2012

Y’Akoto

MUSICAL GLOBETROTTER FROM GERMANY AND GHANA

YʼAkoto, the daughter of a Ghanaian father and a German mother is a true cosmopolitan. Born in Hamburg, raised in Ghana and after a few stopovers in Cameroon, Togo and Chad, she now calls Hamburg her home again but still remains a restless wanderer between cultures. For her first album called “Babyblues”, which despite the title has a very grown up sound, the singer has composed all the songs by herself. On her album YʼAkoto reveals what moves her, for instance, her touching song “Tamba” in which she sings about the fate of an African child soldier. The music of the 23 year old gets under ones skin. This year's insider tip of the festival!

Angélique Kidjo 

HOMAGE TO MIRIAM MAKEBA

For many Angélique Kidjo from Benin is considered to be the new “Mama Africa” since Miriam Makebas death. After all, with her current stage show she is keeping the great musical heritage of the charismatic Grande Dame of African music alive. Her performance “Tribute to Miriam Makeba” was a major success at the world - famous Montreux Jazz Festival in 2010, where she celebrated the songs of Makeba with numerous guest performers. One of these guests was the South African songwriter Vusi Mahlasela, whom in addition to the members of the Makeba-Band Angélique Kidjo will bring along to the Africa Festival. Other surprise guest performers may be expected.

SUNDAY, 27 MAY 2012

CUBA AND WESTAFRICA

Sona Jobarteh

KORA-VIRTOUSO FROM GAMBIA

Sona Jobarteh from Gambia is the first female African virtuoso on the kora, an instrument which is usually only played by men. Sona Jobarteh is the grandchild of a well known griot and the cousin of Toumani Diabaté. Diabaté is the world wide most well known kora player and will perform at the 24th Africa Festival with “Afro Cubism”. Jobarteh studied at the Royal College of Music in London and was part of many orchestra projects. She is also a member of the African Classical Music Ensemble. In 2008 her debut album “Afro Acoustic Soul” was released and recently, her new CD “Fasiya” has hit the stores. On her new album she not only plays the kora, but also guitar, bass, percussions and the calabash and of course she sings as well.

AfroCubism 

DER ORIGINAL BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB

Die 13-köpfige Allstarband „AfroCubism” besteht aus Superstars der afrikanischen und kubanischen Musikszene. Eigentlich hätten der Kora-Virtuose Toumani ­Diabaté aus Mali und der kubanische Sänger und Gitarrist Eliades Ochoa die Basis für das werden sollen, was 1996 als Buena Vista Social Club weltweit für Furore sorgte. Doch scheiterten die in Kuba geplanten Aufnahmen damals an Visaproblemen der afrikanischen Musiker. 2010, also 14 Jahre später, fand die transatlantische Begegnung zwischen Mali und Kuba dann doch noch statt und der eigentliche Buena Vista Social Club erobert seither als „AfroCubism” die Bühnen. Feuriger Rumba und Son treffen auf filigrane Soundmalereien aus Mali.

MONDAY, 28 MAY 2012

REGGAE NIGHT

Sebastian Sturm

MODERN ROOTS REGGAE FROM GERMANY

Sebastian Sturm took the reggae scene by surprise in 2006 with his debut album “This Change is nice”. Since then a lot has changed for Sebastian Sturm who is originally from Aachen and has a German-Indonesian background. He has remained true to his roots reggae background for his current album “Get up and get going”, but has also opened up to new influences. This is also due to his band “Exile Airline”, whose musicians have given the tone of the album a notable new distinction. The album title will also be the theme of the evening: Get up and get going!

Stephen Marley

REGGAE-MULTITALENT AUS JAMAIKA

After Bob Marleyʼs wife Rita and his sons Julian and Damian another offspring of the reggae icon will perform at the Africa Festival. Born in 1972 Stephen Marley is a musical all-rounder. He is not only a musician and composer, but has also contributed as a producer to important and successful records like the Grammy awarded cooperation between his brother Damian and rapper Nas. In 2007 Stephen released his first solo album called “Mind Control”, on which he combines roots - reggae with modern ragga sound. His second album “Revelation Part 1: The Root of Life” followed in 2011.

FRIDAY, 25 MAY 2012

Modou Seck

TRADITIONAL MUSIC FROM SENEGAL

Modou Seck has been taught the art of playing Sabar drums by the master percussionst Doudou NʼDaye Rose and even accompanied him at his tours. Seck was born in Dakar / Senegal into the caste of Griots. He was a member of the national ballet and teacher for rhythmic education for children and teenagers. Since 1989 he has been successfully on tour with various music formations like Tam Tam Magic. Moudou Seck and Tam Tam Magic will perform together at the 24th Africa Festival.

Tcheka

SINGER-SONGWRITER FROM THE CAPE VERDE

Manuel Lopes Andrade was born in 1973 and belongs to the upcoming Cape Verdean musicians who are going back to the Afro roots of the island inhabitants. Already as a young man he started to revive the traditional music by grounding and experimenting with it at the same time. His trademark is the Batuque music of former slaves and he is also an excellent guitar player. His current album “Dor de Mar” was highly recommended by the British world music magazine “Songlines”.

SATURDAY, 26 MAY 2012:

Kora Jazz Trio

AFRO-JAZZ FROM SENEGAL

The Trio uses African Mandingo sounds and combines them with the freedom of Jazz. The Senegalese pianist Abdoulaye Diabaté, the percussionist Moussa Cissoko and the Kora player Djeli Moussa Diawara from Guinea, a half brother of Mory Kanté, are leading the Jazz back to its African roots and let their musical passion lead the way.

Roman Bunka & the Shamandura Project

OUD-VIRTUOSE TRIFFT MEISTERTROMMLER NORDAFRIKAS

“Shamandura” are the marks at the Nile banks, named by Nubian skippers who use them to navigate through dangerous currents of the Nubian Cataracts. North African rhythms, played by the drummers Rhani Krija from Morocco and Lassad Hosni from Tunisia, are the musical marks at the project of the oud-virtuoso Roman Bunka. The project is complemented by saxophonist Roland Schäffer.

Sia Tolno

THE NEW VOICE FROM GUINEA

It is no coincidence that the jury from Radio France International, chaired by Richard Bona, has awarded the singer Sia Tolno as the best musical Newcomer from Africa. The singer with a strong and warm voice says about herself: “I am a rock nature” Nevertheless, she uses traditional African instruments in her music. Sia Tolno is known for her power on stage, which she uses to interpret songs with elements of Rumba, Reggae, Soukous and Afrobeat.

SUNDAY, 27 MAY 2012:

Mamadou Diabaté’s Percussion Mania

TRADITIONAL MUSIC FROM BURKINA FASO

As buzzing as the activities on a West African market place is the music of Mamadou Diabaté and his Percussion Mania. Melodic playing of the balafon, powerful rhythms and African vocals will create a great atmosphere on stage and among the audience. Balafon virtuoso Mamadou Diabaté from Burkina Faso will be accompanied by five fellow countrymen who master various percussion instruments.

Fantcha

THE DIVA OF CAPE VERDEAN MUSIC

The singer Fantcha is from Mindelo, the Cape Verdean islands and grew up in a family which was very much into music. Instead of playing with dolls, like other girls, she preferred making music with her brothers. Already in her early years she was very active at the Cape Verdean Carneval. Later on she met Cesária Évora, the recently deceased Grande Dame of the Cape Verdean scene. Fantcha pursues the tradition of the music of the Cape Verde with the influences of Africa, Cuba and Portugal.

Bebey Prince Bissongo

GUITAR GENIUS FROM BURKINA FASO

Raised with the music traditions of Burkina Faso the charismatic guitarist and singer Bebey Prince Bissongo broadens the rhythms of his childhood by adding jazz, blues, rock and funk into his music. It proofs him to be a worthy successor of his father the “emperor bissongo” who made many audiences dance back in the seventies and eighties.

MONDAY, 28 MAY 2012:

Wally Warning

CALYPSO, REGGAE AND SOUL FROM ARUBA

The reggae singer Wally Warning is from the small Caribbean island Aruba. He feels at home on many stages around the world and in 2007 he created the summer hit “No Monkey”. It is the mix that makes him special: Whenever Wall Warning, singer, guitarist and bassist hits the stage he manages to carry his passion for music over to the audience. Wall Warning is not only a dedicated wanderer between worlds; he has created a “world music” which does not fit into any categories.

Leo’s Den

20 YEARS OF REGGAE FROM WÜRZBURG

It has been a long time since the original Leo members have met in a small basement room to produce their reggae. Many musicians came and went but the original core of the band knew from the beginning what kind of reggae they wanted to play! This is how the Leoʼs family came together and inspired the audiences in Germany and abroad. Through their originality and passion they touch the heart and nourish souls! Just true roots reggae ...

Aurélio & the garifuna soul band

GARIFUNA-MUSIC FROM HONDURAS

Aurélio Martinez is the musical heir of the too early deceased Andy Palacio. For many years he has devoted himself to the Garifuna music of former African slaves. Martinez is not only a musician, but also political active and the first black member of the parliament in Honduras. His recent album, to which also Youssou NʼDour contributed, was voted into the top ten of the best world music records in 2011 by the world music magazine Songlines

25th AFRICA FESTIVAL

ALL BANDS