Following a guest spot when ZubopGambia played the Queens Hall, Narbeth, we were thrilled when the fantastic vocalist Molara accepted an invitation to collaborate with us. Those of you into your dub will doubtless know Molara from her days with the mighty Zion Train, but she is a woman of many talents. With the bloodline of Fela Kuti flowing through her, she brings her own inimitable style to the proceedings.
So, May 2008 saw the band converge on Hendre Hall in Bangor, where a kicking night was enjoyed by all. Big shout to the crew of Byd Mawr (Big World) who run one of the slickest, most relaxed, most fun night to be found in the UK. (You can see photos in the slide show below.) Check their programme for the rest of this season! Thanks guys. Next was the Electric Palace in Bridport, where a full house danced the night away. And with visits lining up to Lincolnshire, Lithuania, Amsterdam, the Blackhorse Festival in Battle and the Thames Festival we are looking forward to the rest of the summer. Details will go up as they are confirmed.
ZubopGambia is a collaboration between London-based worldbeat music group Zubop and the West African master musicians Mosi Conde (vocals, kora, balafon, guitar, djembe) and Njega Sohna (djembe, talking drum, vocals).
For the past twenty years, Zubop have been performing throughout the UK and in continental Europe, playing their unique blend of original music, which is influenced by many musical cultures from around the world. They have released four widely acclaimed CDs and played many major festivals including WOMAD and Glastonbury.
Mosi Conde is a Griot who has played with many bands in West Africa and is now resident in London where his kora playing and singing are in great demand.
One of the emerging young generation of Gambian musicians, Njega Sohna is a stunning djembe player. He played on several tracks of Zubop's CD 'Tekezze', which Observer critic Dave Gelly described as optimistic, unpretentious and hugely accomplished.
In Winter 2003 a number of new collaborative pieces were composed for an Arts Council backed tour of the UK. Some pieces highlight the parallels between us and some the contrasts. ZubopGambia brings together the musical interests and influences of everyone involved - the performances include not only traditional West African pieces, but elements of jazz, township music, pop, reggae, blues and many other styles. This was a collaboration with the wonderful Gambian musician Juldeh Camara - singer and riti player (one-stringed African fiddle) and master drummer Njega Sohna.
The tour included medium and large-scale venues; successes included selling out the 400-seater New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, and playing to an audience of 1,000 at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. The final concert at Ronnie Scotts, London ,where fRoots magazine said ZubopGambia managed to raise the roof, giving a new focus and energy to Zubops jazzy-latin-reggae-afro-blues mix, was released as a live album in July 04.
In Spring 2005 a tour was organised with partners SETA, with additional backing from the Arts Council and PRSF; it played to capacity houses with audiences getting up to dance even in seated venues. The show featured specially commissioned visuals by Evan Manifattori, who has worked with Boy George and Tricky.
Theres a spark about it all which is downright infectious......... fRoots
The reason this bands music always seems so fresh is that it is constantly finding new things to get excited about. Irresistible, high-spirited and full of fun .........The Observer
A whirlygig of world beat sounds .........Jazzwise
Our venue was rockin by the end of the night!........... Sara Robinson, Director, Ludlow Assembly Rooms
I will be there with James and co by my side. Can't wait. You've officially been top friended. See you tomrow at farm? XXXXXX P. S Thabks for the lift abck the other day
LIVE ON STAGE: YAABA FUNK! (EARTH SHAKINGLY FUNKY HI-LIFE/AFROBEAT BIG BAND)
ON THE DECKS: THE FLYING CHILLIS AKA ALEX STEWART (FLYING CARPET) & JAMIE RENTON(CHILLI FRIED)
SATURDAY 31st MAY 2008, 8PM – 12.30 AM @THE INN ON THE GREEN 3-5 Thorpe Close London W10 5XL £5 / £3 concs Tel: 0208 962 5757 Nearest Tubes: Ladbroke Grove
Hola, te presentamos nuestro nuevo videoclip, es una nueva versión de MARIPOSAS que esta incluida como bonus track en la reedición de nuestro album desde el 8 de Abril con EMI MUSIC. Besos Toperos y esperamos que te guste.
BRACANÀ , nouvel album => sortie le 29 mai (Deda/Harmonia Mundi) => les deux premiers titres de l'abum "Bracanà" sont en écoute sur myspace. => les concerts en mai : 2, 9, 18 à CALVI, citadelle 23 à MARSEILLE, église St Laurent (loc : 04 91 62 78 57) 24 à ARLES, chapelle du Méjan (loc : 04 90 96 06 27) 27, 28 à PARIS, L'Européen M° Place de Clichy (loc : 01 43 87 97 13)
