Sounds of West Africa

Schedule

One Drum (1.30pm - 1.45pm)

The opening performance of African ManiFest will be delivered by an ensemble of music-makers, led by drumming organisation One Drum. After a process of mass participatory rehearsals, the group will come together to share their creations in front of a live audience. One Drum is a collaborative ensemble of professional performers, artists and teachers from diverse backgrounds, committed to creating inclusive, engaging work that uses cultural expression as a catalyst to change perceptions.

Falle Nioke (2pm - 3pm)

Falle Nioke is a singer and percussionist from Guinea Conakry, West Africa. Since arriving in the UK four years ago, after a period travelling around West Africa, singing with a troupe of musicians and learning different cultural rhythms, the 35-year-old has been making music with a number of producers, including Ghost Culture, sir Was, Congo Natty and Johan Hugo. He's now working on his debut album, due to be released later this year.

BORN N BREAD Collective (3pm - 4pm & 5pm - 6pm)

BORN N BREAD are a South East London creative collective dubbed as major cultural influencers but most importantly a group of lifelong friends. They've used their own unique flair to create an authentic and refreshing series of printed fanzines, alongside hosting an NTS radio show, DJing internationally, appearing as panellists and curating events.

Afla Sackey + Afrik Bawatu (4pm - 5pm)

Afrik Bawantu was formed in 2007 by Ghanaian vocalist and djembe drummer, Afla Sackey. Afla brings his musical dream of blending traditional Ghanaian music with sizzling Afrobeat grooves to life, topping it off with an irresistibly funky twist. Their unique blend of vibrant African rhythms with fast, animated horn sections and heavy bass lines brings a whole new definition to the Afro-Funk genre.

African ManiFest: Dance Workshop (5pm - 6pm) (L5 Function Room)

Join us for an energising and exciting workshop with dance star French Nana, with a focus on learning traditional African dance moves. French Nana, renowned for her music video work with Paper Maker A Star, is also Creative Director with Creative Movementz, who speicalise in choreography and movement coaching. The workshop is free and will take place in the Level 5 function room, operating on a first-come first-served basis.

Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra (6pm - 7pm)

Dele Sosimi stands out as one of the most active musicians currently on the Afrobeat scene worldwide. Dele‘s career began when he joined Fela‘s Anikulapo-Kuti‘s Egypt 80 (1979–1986) and then subsequently with Fela‘s son Femi Anikulapo-Kuti‘s Positive Force (1986-1994). Dele will perform with his 15-piece Afrobeat Orchestra (featuring a 5-piece horn section and dancers), all of whom have chops to spare and near-telepathic communication built up over years of performing together.