Gambian master percussionist, and lead vocalist brings audiences an electrifying blend of Afro Manding fusion. Tantalizing traditional West African rhythms stem from the deep roots of vibrant life and cultures of the smiling coast of Africa. Musa & Xam Xam ‘s music combines infectious grooves, melodic charm, lush vocals, and funky rhythms, blending Afro-Manding and Afro-Jazz into an irresistible urban intensity.
Musa has earned himself a reputation of a true entertainer and a master of the art through his creativity and innovative approach to the new style of West African Music. Learning his craft with the watchful eyes of The Gambian pioneers of Afro- Manding music Ifang Bondi Band rising to make a name for himself with his unique style and approach to making the dance floor rock.
Musa Mboob & Xam Xam
Friday 23rd February 2024
The Brunsiwck
Starts 7:30pm
Family Day Take Part
Saturday 11th November 2023
Brighton Dome & Brighton Museum
Starts 11:00am - 5PM
A day dedicated to celebrating multi-cultural arts and heritage - expect dance, drumming, delicious food, singing, arts and crafts, creative workshops, live performances, film, stories and talks. Everyone is welcome.
Brought to you by African Night Fever and Brighton & Hove Black History. In partnership with Believe in Me CIC and Writing Our Legacy
Activities:
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Three activity tables of Arts & Crafts
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Head wrapping in fabulous fabrics
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Hair Braiding demo by Khaddy Jammeh
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Face painting and henna tattoos
Performances by:
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Drumheads Samba
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Seeds of the Atlantic Slave Trade
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Dunia Flamenco
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Vocal Patchwork Choir
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'Meet the Chagossians'
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West African Masquerade Dancers
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Mbira Vibes
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King Tafari Love Soundsystem
Workshops:
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Djembe Drumming
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JP Omari’s Funk Fit
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Banyan Tree’s Afrobeat dance class
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Body Percussion by Liz Ikamba
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Bharatanatyam dance class and performance
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Traditional Palestinian embroidery class
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Uplifting group singing with Banyan Tree’s Real I Sing
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Central African Ndombolo dance
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Creative writing by Writing Our Legacy
Talks & Film:
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The Shining Lights of Service: In Conversation with artist Chila Kumari Singh Burman MBE
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Brighton, India and the First World War: In Conversation with Dr Kiran Sahota, from Believe in Me CIC
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Seeds of the Atlantic Slave Trade: by Black History historians Suchi Chatterjee and Bert Williams MBE
African Night Fever and Ropetackle proudly invite you to take part in this special free, family friendly fun-packed day of workshops, embracing the magical spirit of West Africa and its cultures, plus an immersive lunch time concert finale with Namvula.
The workshops and concert are designed for all abilities and we encourage family participation.
Following the popularity and success of Steel Pulse and Strictly UB40, a strong core of seasoned musicians have formed one of the leading Bob Marley and the Wailers tribute bands: XODUS – often joined on stage by reggae legend Selwyn Brown, founding member and keyboard player of Steel Pulse.
Africa Take Part: Fun Family
Creative Workshops
Saturday 14th October 2023
Ropetackle Arts Centre
Starts 11:00am (Doors 10:30am)
African Night Fever: The Sounds of Marley with XODUS
Saturday 28th October 2023
Ropetackle Arts Centre
Starts 8:00pm (Doors 7:30pm)
The Royal Regency 501 High Street North London E12 6QN
Wednesday 9th Aug 2023
Lewes Con Club
Starts 7:30pm - 11:30pm
Julian Junior Marvin was born in Kingston, Jamaica. He moved to London as a child, where his family and the UK theater community nurtured his love for acting and music. He appeared in The Beatles’ film Help, followed by a number of successful appearances on British television. Julian Junior was also a member of the London cast of the musical Hairand can be heard on the original London cast recording.
After playing in various London-based bands, including Blue Ace Unit, Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers, White Rabbit, and Salt & Pepper, Julian Junior continued his musical apprenticeship in America, playing with such Blues and R&B legends as T-Bone Walker, Billy Preston and Ike & Tina Turner. He quickly earned a reputation as an innovative and expressive blues/rock guitarist.
Thursday 10th Aug 2023
Patterns, Brighton
Starts 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Suntou Susso & Band
Friday 16th June 2023
COMPTON PARISH ROOMS
Starts 8:00pm (Doors 7:30pm)
Kora player, percussionist, singer, composer, griot and half-brother of Seckou Keita this is a real coup for Compton !
Irresistible, appealing, melodic Afro-pop songs which will have the dance floor filled.
Gnawa London
Sunday 18th June 2023
Hootananny Brixton
Starts 8:00pm - 11PM
Moroccan Master Guembri-player Simo Lagnawi represents Gnawa culture in the UK, with a show brimming with energy, movement and powerful vocals.
The Moroccan musician was raised in the Gnawa tradition and always remains true to his musical heritage.
Africa Take Part: Fun Family Creative Workshops
Saturday 2nd March 2024
Ropetackle Arts Centre
Starts 11.00AM
African Night Fever and Ropetackle proudly invite you to take part in this special free, family friendly fun-packed day of workshops, embracing the magical spirit of West Africa and its cultures.
The workshops are designed for all abilities and we encourage family participation.
Activities include:
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Fun dance workshop with Ali Bangura and Kwame Ernerst-Obeng
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Learn to move to the beats of West Africa, singing and clapping to joyous traditional songs
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Fun filled African drumming workshop for all ages (limited spaces)
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Timings:
11am-12.30pm: arts and crafts activities, and two 30 min drumming workshops (spaces are limited, first come first served) -
1.30pm-2pm: West African dance workshop, open to all
African Night Fever: BCUC
Saturday 23rd March 2024
Brighton Dome Studio Theatre
Starts 8:00PM
The 2023 Womex Award winners bring their afro-psychedelic future pop from Soweto to Brighton
BCUC: Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness bring their mix of indigenous funk, hip-hop consciousness and punk rock energy from Soweto, South Africa.
A stone’s throw from the church where Desmond Tutu organised the escape of the most wanted anti-Apartheid activists of Soweto, BCUC rehearse in a shipping container-turned community restaurant, where their indomitable outspokenness echoes in a whole new way.
Like its elders, Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness sees its music as a hedonistic trance, but also as a weapon of political and spiritual liberation.
The seven-piece band has been mesmerising audiences both locally and globally with its indigenous funk and high-energy performances that have fast made it one of South Africa’s most successful musical exports.
African Night Fever: Saidi Kanda and Mvula-Mandondo
Saturday 30th March 2024
Ropetackle Arts Centre
Starts 8:00PM
Spiced up East African music with a modern twist.
Hailing from Tanzania and learning his craft from his grandfather, Saidi Kanda has become one of the most talented and revered multi-instrumentalists in African traditional music.
With a sweet melodic voice and charismatic stage presence, Saidi’s performances are full of upbeat, feel-good energy.
A former member of the great Remmy Ongala’s Super Matimila Band, Saidi was awarded Womad Percussionist of the Year in 1989.
London Afrobeat Collective Live @ Lewes Con Club
Saturday 6th April 2024
Lewes Con Club
Starts 7:30PM
London Afrobeat Collective are a tight-knit family of musicians from around the world, living in London and united by a love of afrobeat and a desire to take original music to new places.
This 8-strong collective from England, Italy, France, Congo, Argentina and New Zealand combine traditional afrobeat and hi-life with funk, jazz, Latin and dub to deliver party music born of their truly global DNA.
A regular hit on the UK and Europe touring circuit and celebrated for their raucous energy, heavy dance grooves and conscious lyrics, the band has rocked major stages from Glastonbury Festival (UK) to the Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria, via Imagina Funk (Spain), Fusion Festival (Germany), Cully Jazz (Switzerland), Tempo Latino (France), Earth Garden (Malta) and many more.
African Night Fever: Roots 8
Friday17th May 2024
Ropetackle Arts Centre
Starts 6:30PM
A multi-national all-star eight-piece band boasting a wealth of super talented musicians and a tropical style of world music.
Roots 8 creates a sound that draws on rare groove rhythms combined with Afro-Caribbean jazz, African back beats, and soulful melodies. This evening will feature a feel good, tropical cocktail of sounds from Africa to the Caribbean.
Afro-Caribbean food will be available from 6.30pm on the night from the Soul Food Sisters. No pre-booking necessary. Meat and vegetarian options are available.
Please note, this event is primarily configured for standing and dancing. Limited seating is available to book for those who require it. Seating will be positioned around the edge of the auditorium, and visibility may be impacted.
Age Guidance 16+
African Night Fever: Kanda Bongo Man & Band, Suntou Susso Kora player
Sunday 26th May 2024
Festival Big Top
Starts 7:30PM
Africa Night Fever: Grupo Lokito
2024
Ropetackle Arts Centre
Starts 8:00PM
GiwHa and The 1618
plus Support from Georgia Blankson
Hootananny Brixton, SW2 1DF
Starts 7.30PM -11:00PM
Get ready to party as Steyning Festival joins forces with celebrated Brighton promoters African Night Fever to bring you an evening of sun-soaked rhythms and mesmerising melodies headlined by Kanda Bongo Man, one of the biggest stars in World Music, with support from Kora virtuoso Suntou Susso.
Kanda Bongo Man is famous for his exhilarating, energetic performances of Congolese Soukous music, uplifting and infectious beats deeply rooted in Congolese tradition. With his incredible seven-piece band behind him, we guarantee joyful hip-shaking grooves and a fantastic night out!
Support act Suntou Susso is a charismatic, engaging Gambian master musician, singer, composer and Kora player who’ll be performing traditional Kora songs as well as his own music. The sound of the Kora is breathtakingly beautiful, so don’t miss this unique opportunity to enjoy life-affirming, healing music from a rich cultural tradition.
Africa Night Fever presents a sunshine party with Grupo Lokito – from Kinshasa to Havana!
Grupo Lokito create a modern-day cocktail of two of the great world music traditions. Fusing blistering contemporary Congolese grooves and soukous with the fire of Cuban rumba and salsa all under one roof.
The glorious, melodious vocals of Congolese front-men Eugene Makuta and Iddo Donnatella blend with the soaring guitars of Congolese maestro Mbokalia, the rhythmic grooves of Chocolat, and the lilting keyboards of Sara.
Afro-Caribbean food will be available from 6.30pm on the night from the Soul Food Sisters. No pre-booking necessary. Meat and vegetarian options are available.
Following the incredible success of their sold-out show at The Ritzy (Upstairs) Brixton, GiwHa and The 1618 are back, and this time, they will be taking the stage at the legendary Hootananny Brixton! GiwHa's impressive resume includes opening for renowned acts like Sister Sledge, Norman Jay MBE, and Boogie Belgique, proving his ability to share the stage with the best in the business.
Featuring Special Guest: Georgia Blankson!
Georgia Blankson will be joining us for the night, adding her sensational talents to the mix and ensuring an unforgettable musical journey for all.
The Sounds Of Marley
Friday 28th June 2024
Brighton Open Air Theatre
Starts 7:00PM
Featuring members of the hugely successful and popular Steel Pulse & Strictly UB40, the UK's premiere Bob Marley & The Wailers tribute band - XODUS - arrives at BOAT for the very first time.
The band are often joined on stage by reggae legend Selwyn Brown - a Steel Pulse founding member, keyboard player & songwriter, who spent a significant amount of time touring with Bob Marley & The Wailers back in the 1980s. The evening will also feature some of Brighton's top DJs.
Get ready to dance to the beats of Rastaman Vibrations.
African Night Fever: Mokoomba
Tusona Tour
Tuesday 20th August 2024
Ropetackle Arts Centre
Starts 8:00PM
THE LEGENDARY CONGOS
Wednesday 21st August 2024
Komedia
Starts 7.30PM
Mokoomba is a six-piece band from Zimbabwe. The band’s unique sound is a fusion of the different cultures and influences of the region, combining traditional rhythms with contemporary Zamrock.
Since releasing their groundbreaking album “Rising Tide” in 2012, Mokoomba has become a major force in global music, captivating audiences around the world with their raw energy and melodic harmonies.
A duo comprised of Cedric Myton and Roydel “Ashanti” Johnson, the Congos are known primarily known for one record, Heart of the Congos, released in 1977. Reggae historian Steve Barrow, considers it as good as seminal reggae recordings such as Bob Marley and the Wailers’ Natty Dread, Burning Spear’s Marcus Garvey, and the Mighty Diamonds’ Right Time. This is not an exaggeration. Myton and Johnson, working with Lee Perry at his Black Ark Studios in Kingston created a masterpiece, one of (if not the) finest production job of Perry’s long and prolific career.
A day dedicated to celebrating multi-cultural arts and heritage - expect dance, drumming, delicious food, singing, arts and crafts, creative writing workshops, live performances, film, stories, and talks. Everyone is welcome.
Full schedule coming soon.
Presented by African Night Fever and Brighton & Hove Black History in partnership with Writing Our Legacy
Children & Family
Workshops
This event is taking place in Concert Hall
Sat 19 Oct 2024, 11am–5pm
FREE
All ages welcome. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult
African Night Fever:
Seckou Keita – Homeland
Saturday 26th October 2024
Ropetackle Arts Centre
Starts 8:00PM (Doors Open 7.30PM)
Seckou Keita: Homeland Tour
Sunday 27th October 2024
The Stables Milton Keynes
Starts 8:00PM
African Night Fever: K.O.G
Saturday 23rd November 2024
Ropetackle Arts Centre
Starts 8:00 PM
“There is something uplifting and utterly contemplative about this music” ~ Sean Rafferty, BBC Radio 3
Seckou is a luminary figure amongst African traditional musicians. Hailing from Senegal, his journey from a gifted child to a globally recognised musician has been nothing short of remarkable.
Dubbed as “the Hendrix of the Kora”, Seckou’s innovative approach and exceptional skill constantly pushes the boundaries of what the instrument can achieve.
With a discography boasting 14 critically-acclaimed albums and with over 25 million streams on Spotify alone, a collection of prestigious awards including multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Seckou have made an indelible mark on the global music scene.
Seckou Keita is a renowned Kora virtuoso who stands as a luminary amongst African traditional musicians. Hailing from Southern Senegal, his journey from a gifted child to a globally recognised musician has been nothing short of remarkable.
Dubbed as "the Hendrix of the Kora'', Seckou's innovative approach and exceptional skill constantly pushes the boundaries of what the instrument can achieve. With a discography boasting 14 critically-acclaimed albums cumulating over 25 million streams on Spotify alone, and a collection of prestigious awards, including multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, he always leaves an indelible mark on the music scene.
Kweku Sackey aka K.O.G (Kweku of Ghana) is a multi-dimensional creative force, combining exquisite writing skills with shamanistic live performance, fierce raps, perfectly on pitch singing across a massive vocal range and some absolutely wicked dance moves. Not to mention his skills as a percussionist, arranger, bandleader and art director. A true poet and storyteller, he uses a mix of English, Pidgin and Ga to paint sonic pictures that reach deep into the souls of everyone ready to listen.