NIWEL TSUMBU, one of Africa’s leading guitarists, is bringing his band Motema to Galway to play a free show in the Volvo Ocean Race stage and to mark the celebration of Africa Day in the city.
Africa Day falls on May 25 and its aim is to celebrate African diversity and success, and to highlight the cultural and economic potential that exists on the continent, and Galway will host a series of events from Saturday May 23 to Monday 25.
A talent show for Galway’s African community will take place at Lisbrook House (former Ibis hotel ) on the Headford Road on Saturday 23 at 7.45pm. A recording contract is on offer for the winner, courtesy of Bridgestock Ltd and Sprig Studios. Judges include Zimbabwe impresario Zuvamunhu.
The final auditions take place today at 2pm in Lisbrook House. Entrants’ minimum age must be 13. There are music, dance, drumming, comedy, singing, and magic categories. For more information contact 086 - 3367129 or see www.spiritofvoice.com On Sunday 24, the Rhythm+Design workshop takes place at Club Árus na nGael. Beginning A`t 1pm, John Bowker will give a tribal spirit drum class, teaching the fundamental skills of tempo. He will provide 40 drums for participants. All ages are welcome but an adult must accompany children. There will also be live music from local African band Kure.
At 2pm, the Galway City Council’s street artist in residence Margaret Nolan will lead a team of young African painters to design a mural on the theme of City of Tribes. At 4pm there is the opportunity to hear traditional and original African songs from the Roland Mupotsa band. Admission is free.
The Feile Africa Roadshow, featuring live bands and dance groups, takes place on Monday 25 on the Volvo Village Outdoors stages. The music starts at 5.30pm when The Afrish School perform a music and cultural dance show. The winner of the African Talent Show will also perform. Then at 8pm, one of the world’s finest guitar players Congolese musician Niwel Tsumbu and his band Motema will play Latin, Rumba, afrijazz, and Maringa.
They will be followed by Nigerian Afro-beat band Oleku, directed by Allen Tayior Adeniyi on saxophone and vocals. They play West African high life songs recreating the big Afrobeat Orchestra sound. The concerts are open to all and admission is free.
For more information on the above events contact [email protected], www.spiritofvoice.com, and www.irishaid.gov.ie/africaday
