THE REAL DEAL SA IN THE UK ROUND UP

In January we had our ‘The Real Deal Afro Round Up’ celebrating all things African from ACON (Africa Cup of Nations) to Afrobeats.
Having headed down to Roundhouse Rising 2012 Un-convention last weekend (11 February 2102) and in particular catching panel discussions on ‘Politicised Hip Hop’, ‘Female Voices’ and of course ‘The Rise of African Music’, in the words of Amadou and Mariam’s Manager, Mark Antoinne Moreau, “The next wave of music is coming from Africa”.

In seemed only fitting that I would celebrate my not so little corner of Africa whose music ‘has always been different and unique’ (Black Coffee), by catching up with South Africa’s legendary house Dj and producer Black Coffee who is on the UK leg of his European tour, that sees him visit Portugal, Greece, Paris before heading back to home to South Africa.

Birmingham Ballroom was treated to a ‘great selection of Soulful, Deep and Tribal house’ last night, which is enough to get me in an Ibiza kind of a mood. If you are in Manchester tonight and a bit of Black Coffee is exactly your flavour, then you have another chance to catch him.

Continuing our South African theme in our recommendations for this weekend, if you have not already, then it’s you last chance to see what has been described as ‘a pulsating musical celebration of South African song and dance’. Todd Twala and Thembi Nyandeni’s UMOJA has been lighting up London’s West End since the end of January in its third popular run here, and has been seen by over four million people worldwide.

Said to have been created, ‘as a way of a reminding a new generation of South Africans of their heritage’, UMOJA, meaning ‘togetherness’ in Zulu, has won critical plaudits and collected multiple awards for it’s the potent rhythms of tribal music to the joy of gospel and the pounding energy of contemporary kwaito. UMOJA unites 30 singers, dancers, drummers, marimba players and musicians, who represent the best of South Africa’s young performers.

UMOJA
Peacock Theatre WC2
Final dates: Saturday 18 - Sunday 19 February 2012
Performances: 7.30pm, Sat & Sun mats at 2.30pm

Tickets: £15 - £42

Ticket Office: 0844 412 4322 www.sadlerswells.com

As a multi-talent lot at Just Elemental Music towers, as well as interviewing House music legends such as Black Coffee, I have spent the week teaching young people magazine journalism, radio and aspiring artists about the importance of PR and reputation management. So in the spirit of celebrating our little JEMs this half term, the Southbank Centre are hosting their ImagineChildren’s Festival which runs (11 – 26 February 2012) which included on 15 February a sold out performance and world premiere of Mandela Tales, a beautiful new production for children, devised, directed and produced by ground-breaking composer Shirley J. Thompson.

Thompson’s Mandela Tales is inspired by the book Nelson Mandela's Favourite African Folk Tales and encapsulates the sheer magic of storytelling, imagination and creativity. Featuring a number of compelling stories from across a variety of regions and traditions across Africa, and told through the power of original live music and dance.