Archive for the ‘Concert Reviews’ Category
Monday, November 19th, 2007 |
BY JORDAN LEVIN
A whole contingent of ecstatic Senegalese cheered their countryman Youssou N’Dour at his concert Friday night, but they were only marginally more excited than the rest of the crowd that packed the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts.
A slim, middle-aged man with a quiet demeanor, clad in loose silver-blue shirt and pants, N’Dour seemed an unlikely global music star when he walked casually onstage.
But as soon as he started to sing, his soul and charisma transcended any cultural preconceptions. N’Dour may sing mostly in Wolof but the power, joy and humanity of his music need no translation. By the second song, the whole theater was clapping along. ”It doesn’t matter that we don’t know what he’s saying,” said one woman. “Because I feel like we do.”
The Rhythm Foundation, which last presented N’Dour in Miami in 2004, gave us an added treat this time by presenting him with The Super Etoile of Dakar, the band he started with 25 years ago. They’re eight superb musicians who play together with dazzling, fluid precision; melody, harmony and rhythm flowing inextricably together in a powerful river of music. Bassist Hibab Faye, and guitarist Jimmy Mbaye — whose solos could sing like a saxophone or a voice, with an extraordinary subtlety — were particularly astonishing, as were Thio Mbaye, on African percussion, and Assane Thiam, summoning thunder from the tiny tama, or talking drum, and making the African women crowded up front vibrate as if they were plugged right into his drum. At one point they ran up onstage, dancing and hugging and kissing the smiling N’Dour.
Perhaps their expertise and familiarity made N’Dour even more comfortable, but then, this is a man who’s played stadiums (three of them for the Live 8 concerts in 2005) and venues worldwide. His face beaming, striding the rim of the stage to slap a thicket of upreaching hands, mothers in hijab holding up their children, awestruck yuppies, shrieking Senegalese women in gleaming robes, N’Dour had the kind of warm, effortlessly commanding presence that electrifies a crowd.
His voice is intense, rich, and wonderfully, uniquely expressive. N’Dour sings with some of the nasal intensity and vibrating overtones of Middle Eastern vocalists, but without dissonance; his voice can soar as high and sweet as a falsetto, but without becoming sharp or light. You can hear the full-tilt emotion of soul, the soaring spirituality of gospel — whether from the influence of contemporary pop, or because those musics have their deepest roots in Africa.
N’Dour sang dance songs and love songs and spiritual songs, and songs that paid tribute to his continent’s suffering and spirit. ”Many times what they show people here about Africa is poverty, AIDS, war — this is not the only measure of Africa,” he said as he introduced the spine-tingling, gospel-like New Africa.
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Wednesday, October 31st, 2007 |
Jamaican reggae star Luciano, who finally arrived in the country yesterday afternoon, hailed President Mugabe’s leadership and urged Zimbabweans to unite against neo-colonialism.
Luciano, who was accompanied by his colleague Mikey General, is billed to perform at the Jacaranda Jazz Festival scheduled for Saturday at the City Sports Centre in Harare. In its second year, the festival, which is known as Pfumvudza in Shona, is a Zimbabwe Tourism Authority initiative to promote ecological and urban tourism.
The reggae star said it was the opportune time for Zimbabweans to unite against forces of neo-colonialism. “This is the right time for us (as Zimbabweans) to unite when the evil forces are really upon us. We really support President Mugabe’s land reform programme because the land was taken from us long back,” he said.
Luciano — who landed at the Harare International Airport to a rapturous welcome from ZTA officials, the local Rastafarian community and reggae fans — hailed both the Government and ZTA for making his maiden tour, which he referred to as “homecoming”, a reality.
“I am happy to be in Zimbabwe and as the Messenger of Jah, I feel I have brought the ministry here,” said the artiste, who was initially scheduled to perform in Zimbabwe two weeks ago but reportedly missed his flight. He paid tribute to slain South African reggae legend Lucky Dube, whom he described as a brother to the Rastafarian community.
“It is a great loss to the Rastafarian community and I would like to send my condolences to South Africa and his family,” Luciano said. Dube - who was gunned down in Johannesburg during a botched hijacking - was buried on Sunday in KwaZulu-Natal.
Asked if he would collaborate with local reggae artistes if approached, Luciano said:
“If the time permits, we can do collaborations and there is nothing to stop us from doing that.” ZTA chief executive Mr Karikoga Kaseke said Luciano had not come for the “Zimbabwe Smile” campaign as previously advertised, but for the Jacaranda Jazz Festival.
“Luciano is here and let me quickly point out that he is not here for the Zimbabwe Smile campaign, but for the Jacaranda Festival and was brought here by ZTA and not Shumba Instrumentation,” Mr Kaseke pointed out. But Nhamo Chitimbe of Shumba Instrumentation, the outfit that failed to bring Luciano two weeks ago, said in the final analysis it did not matter who had brought Luciano “home” because what mattered most was that he was in the country. Luciano, whose backing group is expected in the country either tomorrow or on Friday morning, will be supported by yet to be advised groups during the festival. Tickets for the show will be available at the ZTA offices beginning tomorrow.
College and university students will be charged $3 million for the show while the rest will have to pay $5 million.
VIP tickets have been pegged at $10 million.
Via The Herald
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Monday, October 29th, 2007 |
Local diva Juliana Kanyomozi left a lasting impression at her ‘Kibaluma Unleashed’ concert at Kati Kati Restaurant on Friday night. When she finally appeared at about 11p.m, it was worth the wait. She sang her heart out to fans who couldn’t stop screaming out her name.
The sound was good, the skies were clear and emcee J. Kazoora was the right guy to work the crowd as he introduced star after another, interjecting the performances with his usual jokes.
Wearing black, in sharp contrast with red boots, Juliana was given a grand welcome onto stage amid beautiful light effects and palpitating instrumentations. Visibly overwhelmed by the large turn-up, Juliana Kanyomozi went down on her knees to show her appreciation before she set the crowd off on a musical trip with some of her hits from Nkulinze, Taata W’abana Yani - her collaboration with Bobi to songs from her latest Kibaluma album like Nkyanonya, Tombowa Mukwano, Mundeke and Kanyimbe during which she broke down into tears.
She dedicated the song to her fallen manager and brother Prince Roger Mugenyi who she said was a big inspiration in her career.
“I want to specially dedicate this song to my brother. It was the last song he told me to sing for him,” the emotive diva said amidst tears as Club beer’s Shem Ssemambo reached out to comfort her.
When she finally did Kibaluma, it felt like she had breathed life into the crowd once more as fans all got their groove on and sang along. This was after a line-up of great performances by Bobi Wine and Nubian Lee, Jose Chameleone and the Leone Island and the Obsessions.
Chameleone who wore a black pin striped suit tickled fans when he said he was one of Juliana’s biggest fans. He was at it again and sent the crowd roaring as he went on his twos to ‘publicly’ apologise to Bobi Wine for all the rat and cat games that saw them fall apart.
“Guys this isn’t a kiwani. I am for real,” he convinced as the crowd cheered on. Juliana changed her attire thrice and also did the Kibaluma song thrice as she begged fans to leave the venue saying that he show was over yet they still wanted more of the singer who had given her all.
Via The Monitor
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Thursday, October 18th, 2007 |
Big names in the music and entertainment business can be expected in Namibia when the World Peace Tour For Children (WPT4C) concert kicks off in Windhoek on April 22 next year.
Kool and the Gang, Whitney Houston or Beyoncé, Andreas Bocelli, Michael Jackson, and others may sign up next month to form part of this global initiative to raise funds and awareness about the plight of children around the world.
Other big names in show business dropped by President of the WPT4C initiative, Wolfgang Hildebrandt, on his second visit to the country yesterday, were Angeline Jolie - to possibly act as the director of ceremonies of the event - with Brad Pitt in tow, Billy Joel, Richard Gere, and Peabo Bryson who sang Beauty and the Beast with Celine Dion. Another big name involved with the project is Ron Alexenburg who used to work with the Beatles.
A number of Namibian artists are also expected to form part of the first three hours of the 12-hour musical event.
Before the event, the Namibian group, Ongombe, will fly to Los Angeles where they will record an adapted version of Paul Simon’s Bridge Over Troubled Waters, which will be the Namibian ‘anthem’ for the event.
“We are every excited,” said an enthusiastic Hildebrandt, adding, “Everybody wants to come on board.”
The tour will start in Windhoek, and then go to South Africa to coincide with Nelson Mandela’s birthday in July, Afghanistan, Tokyo, India, London and New York.
“Namibia is the star of peace,” said Hildebrandt when asked why Namibia was chosen as the first stop for the concert.
Hildebrandt will again visit Namibia in November when he wants to organise an event in Zoo Park where people will be asked to do a five-minute stand-up for peace.
“I do not have time for blah, blah. We must make sure that children have a future because if they do not have a future, no-one has; that is the most important mission of the concert,” said Hildebrandt.
Hildebrandt was addressing school learners from Cosmos and Delta high schools, with the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Libertina Amathila, who welcomed the decision by the WPT4C organisers to have Namibia as the first venue for the coveted event.
Amadhila said the concert would contribute greatly to spreading the message of peace, compassion and hope for less privileged children in need of social understanding and help to realise their full human potential.
“Children are the future,” said Amadhila.
“Laying the foundation for their growth and development in an atmosphere of peace, compassion and tranquility is a basic requirement for all societies. Peace at home, at school, within the community and the world is a cry from all children of the world,” she said.
Amadhila said Namibia considers its children as the most valuable assets to sustain its way of life, and that the Government remains committed to ensure the full attainment of every child’s dreams, aspirations and intellect.
While Hildebrandt would not say exactly how much tickets to the concert would cost, he said some would be sold at a reduced price to allow for disadvantaged people to attend the event.
A big screen will also be set up outside the concert venue where those who still could not enter, can watch.
LTU and Air Namibia will fly in the stars.
Funds raised from the concerts will go to still-to-be-selected charity organisations.
[Via New Era]
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Thursday, October 18th, 2007 |
Jamaican reggae crooner Luciano and South Africa’s Bongo Maffin are expected in the country on Friday morning for two weekend shows at the weekend.
The two shows dubbed Smiles Zimbabwe Splush begins on Friday night at the Glamis Arena at the Harare Exhibition Park and then move to the Rainbow Tours on Saturday. One of the event organisers Reason Nyamatore of Shumba Instrumentation said the shows would go according to plan.
“Everything is now in place and my uncle (only identified as Chitimbe, the Shumba Instrumentation director) has since paid the artistes and the show will certainly go according to script. “We expect the two groups on Friday morning and they will play later in the day,” said Nyamatore. Local urban groover Sniper will feature at both shows as a supporting act.
But it is Luciano - real name Jepther McClymont - many a reveller would be looking forward to, as he will be performing in Zimbabwe for the first time. The late Bob Marley, Buju Banton and I Jah Man Levi are some Jamaican reggae artistes who have performed in Zimbabwe over the years. Another official from Shumba Instrumentation earlier this month told this paper that Luciano’s tour would be a great opportunity for the country to be hosting international artistes, a move that would help the country to improve its tourism sector. Luciano’s tour of Zimbabwe comes barely a week after the country played hosts to Extra Musica, South Africa’s Mafikizolo and Botswana’s Vee at the this year Africa Tourism Night concert held at the Rainbow Tours over the weekend.
“More artistes would come to perform this side and I believe by 2010 we would have marketed our country well enough.
“We also want to urge all Zimbabweans to be hospitable to the tourists,” the official said.
[Via The Herald]
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Thursday, October 18th, 2007 |
KAMPALA Music School’s (KMS) concert on Sunday treated classical music enthusiasts to an exciting show at Sheraton Hotel’s Lions Centre.
The concert featured the schools students and teachers, who scored highly in the examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), an international examining body for music, centred in London.
Like all the previous concerts organised by KMS, the 10th ABRSM concert did not fall short of the standards of international concert-artistry.
The various performers displayed professionalism and perfection as they played instruments like the piano, trumpet, recorder, cello, violin, guitar and clarinet.
Phionan Nansubuga shone brilliantly as she sang Bart Howard’s Fly Me To The Moon with spontaneous expressiveness and feeling. Her angelic voice marvelled the audience.
Duncan Katimbo also wowed the audience with his organ skills. His agility was more explicit as he pedalled The Giant Fugue, by Johanne Sebastian Bach.
Retired Chief Justice Samuel Wako Wambuzi commended the performers for maintaining high standards. He also presented gifts to the highest scorers, with Katimbo, the school’s highest scorer receiving books and a special badge.
[Via New Vision]
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Tuesday, October 16th, 2007 |
Ghana is set to host one of the world’s finest music superstars for a historic concert dubbed “Souls of Africa Concert”.
The Independence Square is expected to be filled on Saturday, October 27 by tons of music lovers who would witness the best of John Legend.
Thousands of music enthusiasts are expected to visit the Independence Square to witness a live performance by the popular music star and his 25-member band.
John Legend, five times Grammy award winner and one of the most influential artistes in contemporary music, would perform alongside selected Ghanaian hiplife artistes.
The concert is in aid of victims of the flood disaster in the northern regions as well as a campaign to eradicate Guinea worm, the water-borne disease afflicting people in the north.
The marathon concert which starts at 1pm would as well feature Luciano, the international reggae star and some selected hiplife music stars including Obrafuor, Reggie Rockstone, Tinny, Wulomei, Slim Busterr, King Ayisoba, Mac Tontoh of Osibisa and many others.
There would be contributions from celebrity speakers, development agencies and messages from supporting organizations.
Fans of John Legend who have collaborated with Jay Z, Lauryn Hill, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Puff Daddy and a host of others would have the unique opportunity to meet their hero at a specially arranged autograph session to be announced at the event.
After the show, John Legend and Luciano would travel to the north to visit areas where the Guinea worm disease is prevalent.
The move is supported by all the major UN aid agencies in Ghana.
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Friday, October 12th, 2007 |
World renowned musical group, Black-Eyed Peas, will be in Lagos at the end of the long holiday and get Lagos entertainment buffs to unwind.
The group will entertain thousands of fans as the pepsi-presents tour hits Lagos, weekend. Supported by THISDAY Style Maga-zine, Pepsi Black, Blue and You Tour sponsored by Afribank, is billed to take place in the typical THISDAY tradition of staging globally acclaimed icons and entertainers at the THISDAY Center for Education and Arts located at the Lekki Expressway in Lagos.
The grammy-award winning Black-Eyed Peas has undoubtedly become a global phenomenon, the likes of which the music world has rarely seen.
Having traversed global entertainment circles, after energizing crowds around the globe with its raving album “Elephunk” featuring the quartet including Williams and Fergie.
The 2003 release, “Elephunk”, was a breakthrough album for The Black Eyed Peas, vaulting them to a level of success unparalleled by any other hip-hop group. The accolades are quick to recite: 7.5 million albums sold worldwide, 4 Grammy nominations, 1 Grammy award, and an unforgetable performance on the 2005 broadcast.
But if Elephunk was the group being crowned prince of the castle, then “Monkey Business”, their fourth album, is The Black Eyed Peas’ conquering the throne to become King. It is an album that further intensifies their passion for making music together, for connecting with their audience through the most fundamental ways: giving people good time.
And you can add dis somewhere….
The Black Eyed Peas performed at the UK leg of Live Earth on July 7, 2007 at Wembley Stadium, London and a member of the group, William, also performed a new song,”Help Us Out”, at the event, which is now on his album, “Songs About Girls”
The Black Eyed Peas headlined the main Ocean Stage at the Summer Sonic Music Festival in Tokyo, Japan on August 11 2007, and Osaka, Japan on the next day. The act comprised of the band performing their hits, as well as Fergie singing solo tracks from The Dutchess, as William, is popularly called also sang songs from his upcoming album.
The group is currently on the Black, Blue & You World Tour, visiting 13 countries, including Macau, Sweden, Poland, Romania, Hungary, South Korea, Malaysia and India.
Other coutries on the card include Indonesia, Singapore, China, Australia, Nigeria, Mexico, Thailand, Venezuela, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Brazil.
The tour will be presented by Pepsi, in conjunction with the new “Pepsi More” advertising campaign, featuring The Black Eyed Peas. In fact, “Pepsi More” is a promotional single made just for the new Pepsi spot.
The group performed at the millineum celeberation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia last month.
[Via This Day ]
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2007 |
A young Czech pianist is to give two concerts in Zimbabwe as the guest of Celebrity Subscription Concerts of Harare and Performing Arts Bulawayo.
Libor Novacek, who was born in Prague but is now based in London, will play music by Brahms, Lizst and Janacek in the performances scheduled for Sunday October 14 in Harare (4pm) and Tuesday October 16 in Bulawayo (7.30pm).
The concerts will take place at the Harare International School and at the Robert Sibson Hall in Bulawayo. Mr Novacek brings with him a wealth of experience on the international classical music scene, despite his relative youth.
He was born in 1979 into a musical family and later studied at the Teplice Conservatoire and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, under Joan Havill. He graduated with first class honours in 2002 and completed a master’s degree with distinction the following year, winning the Guildhall’s highest honour, the Concert Recital Diploma. He was immediately selected for the Young Concert Artists’ Trust and appointed a Fellow of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
In 2005 he won the Landor Records Competition, leading to a long-term recording contract with this renowned classical music label, for which his first two CDs - featuring music of Janacek, Martinu, Ravel, Debussy and Liszt - received outstanding reviews.
In February 2007 his Liszt CD was Editor’s Choice in Gramophone magazine and in June this year he was awarded a Diplom d’Honneur by the Hungarian Liszt International Record Grand Priz. Future projects include discs of music by Brahms and Liszt, to be recorded during the coming year. Other awards he has won include first prize at the North London Music Festival and at the John Lill Piano Competition, as well as a win at the Tunbridge Wells Young Artist Competition.
During the past few years, his performances as a soloist and with orchestras have taken him to North and South America, Spain, France, Germany and India. He also made his debut at the famed Wigmore Hall in London.
He has performed with the Prague Chamber Orchestra, Prague Chamber Philharmony, Hamburg Symphony Orchestra, English Sinfonia, Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, European Union Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
“He is young yet already much acclaimed and we look forward to this, his second, visit to Zimbabwe and to his selection of music for the two concerts here,” said Frans Eigenraam, chairman of Celebs.
Advance booking for the concerts is already open and tickets will also be available at the venues.
[Via The Herald]
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2007 |
Seven-time Grammy winner and R&B original Gladys Knight said this week she couldn’t wait to share her songs of romance with Joburg audiences.
“I can’t wait to show love to Joburg,” she said on the phone from Asheville, North Carolina, US, on Wednesday.
Sounding enthusiastic about her first South African tour, Knight said she would perform all her hits, which include I Heard It Through the Grapevine and Midnight Train to Georgia.
She was also outspoken about contemporary R&B music.
“Well, I am a little disappointed with the music of today,” said Knight.
“The romance of my time wasn’t as graphic and sexual as it is today. Singers of today think that music shouldn’t be censored but I don’t think it’s tasteful.”
Knight, who sprang to fame when she won a TV talent competition at the age of seven, will perform at the Coca-Cola Dome, Northgate, on October 26 and at the Sun City Superbowl the following night. All concerts are seating only.
[Via The Times]
Visit Glady’s Knight’s Website >>
