 African-Caribbean Crossover
The Royal
Netherlands Embassy in conjunction with Kulture Consult is proud to
announce a unique event taking place in the first week of May 2004.
As in previous years Embassy has invited Dutch musicians to perform
in Zambia and this year it is the Holland-Surinam band, Fra Fra
Sound. But that’s not all - tt the same time, Oliver Mtukudzi and
the Black Spirits from Zimbabwe will be back in Zambia for a few
concerts. Since both famous bands know each other from jazz
festivals in South Africa, the idea of a joint performance was
suggested and has, for our entertainment, been brought to fruitiion.
And joining them will be our own Maureen Lilanda adding that Zambian
touch.
 Oliver
Mtukudzi’s
career has spanned twenty five years. Tuku, nicknamed by his
fans, has composed forty five original albums. Together with his
band, the Black Spirits, he regularly ventures out of Zimbabwe and
into the region. He has performed at various festivals in Southern
Africa and has won several awards. It is, however, his dedication to
the live music scene in Zimbabwe – continually playing to
enthusiastic audiences in even the remotest parts of the country –
that has earned him the place in people’s hearts that he holds
today. A lot of people in Lusaka will remember the show in Lusaka
last September.
Maureen
Lilanda
is the famous Zambian singer whose captivating voice flows without
restraint. She sings her native Zambian language songs and English
blending rhythms with western influence, a combination producing a
unique sound. Maureen has done musical collaborations with many
local artists, has toured Japan, the UK and the US and has released
two albums.
But who is Fra Fra Sound?
Founded in 1980 by artistic director and bassist, Vincent Henar, Fra
Fra Sound has expanded on its initial fascination with traditional
Surinamese music to incorporate music from elsewhere in South
America along with important elements from the indigenous sounds of
Africa, the Caribbean, and North America. The special crossover
music of Fra Fra Sound continues to make advances in its artistic
and entertainment value. They have been well received during shows
and workshops in South Africa, Holland and the US, as has their new
album, Kultiplex.
Kultiplex,
available during the tour, consists entirely of original music
composed by band members and reflects the inspiring experiences
gained from international tours and coalitions with expert musicians
from the world of music and jazz global villages. The nine tracks
are all life-affirming, with the swinging melodic improvisations
underscored by intricate, gripping Afro-Latin and
Caribbean rhythms.
Fra Fra Sound arrive in Lusaka on 29th of April, but
their first performance will be in Livingstone at the Zambezi Sun
(Activity Centre) on 1 May at 6 pm.
After that, they will be conducting two workshops at Evelyn Hone for
students of the music department and for upcoming musicians and on 6
May will perform at Mtendere compound.
The joint performance will be on 7 May at the Intercontinental Hotel
and on 8 May at ISL where Maureen will be included in the programme.
For more information call Luc Moens on 097-891357.
One could include more in this article, but the main message is: do
not miss it! It will be one of those rare occasions you’ll never
forget.
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May 2004