Get Up Stand Up
Coco Mbassi and many more to perform at charity event on Saturday, 28 July 2007 at the Union Chapel.
For those looking for a drier alternative to WOMAD this weekend check out world-soul-jazz-roots-global grooves event Get Up Stand Up which is taking place this Saturday, 28 July 2007, 2pm till 10pm, in the unique setting of the Union Chapel, Compton Avenue, London N1 2XD (nearest tube Highbury and Islington). Tickets are £10 (children under 5 are free) and can be obtained on the door or book online at www.ticketweb.co.uk
All proceeds from this world-soul-jazz-roots-global grooves event are being donated to Plan International and World Vision and an unnamed Zimbabwean charity who are working on the ground in Zimbabwe to help to create a better life for affected children and affected communities.
Apart from supporting charity you get to see 10 great bands for only a tenner including the following headlining acts:
Coco Mbassi is a singer originating from Cameroon. Her music is a subtle blend of African roots, classical music, jazz and gospel, along with the modern feeling of acoustic soul music, which she mostly composes herself and co- produces with her husband Serge Ngando Mpondo. Coco has performed with the likes of Manu Dibango, Salif Keita, Toure Kunda, Demis Roussos, Nino Ferrer, Jocelyne Beroard (of the band Kassav), Ray Lema, Ismael Lo, Sixun, Richard Bona and many others.
British-born, with a Zimbabwean father, Celloman ’s music is blend of Middle Eastern and African rhythms, Eastern and Western classically inspired melodies, hypnotic harmonies and driving funky bass and drums. Celloman has recorded with a diverse array of artists who include Soul II Soul, Mick Jagger, Spice Girls, Take That, Lighthouse Family, Shaun Escoffrey. He has also scored for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Hailing from West London, the Roots-Soul collective Thabani combine Soul, Afro and Groove influences to their potent mix of 'brilliant front line' tunes with a modern contemporary edge. Led by charismatic Zimbabwean singer and songwriter Tee Nyoni, together with a tight musical ensemble of brass, guitar, drums, African percussion and backing vocals, Thabani produce a classic 'Soulful Wall Of Sound' - Tee brings the energy of a young James Brown, the voice of Marvin Gaye and the songwriting influences of Curtis Mayfield and Fela Kuti. Thabani has recently released a download single entitled 'Right To Demonstrate', featuring former Zimbabwean cricketer and activist Henry Olonga, who famously wore a black armband lamenting the death of democracy in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwean Mbira Artist Anna Mudeka has been a professional singer, dancer and drummer since the age of 14. She has toured Japan with Ephat Mujuru and was also a member of the legendary Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited Band. She has worked and performed with other well-known musicians including Leon Ruselsson and Stella Chiweshe, the Queen of Mbira. She tours nationally and internationally with The Tambai Ensemble.
For more information call 079282 787 479 or 07914 697694.