"Tony Allen is probably the most important musician of the past 50 years."
Brian Eno Pioneering Afrobeat musician Tony Allen will perform at the London launch of BASS Festival 2009, kicking off the festival’s month-long celebration of Africa.
Allen’s appearance will coincide with the opening of an exclusive art exhibition that documents the work of Ghariokwu Lemi, best-known for designing 2000 album sleeves, including nearly 30 for iconic Nigerian musician Fela Kuti.
Allen, the former musical director and drummer in Fela Kuti’s band, will appear alongside other celebrated African musicians on Tuesday 9 June at Rich Mix in Shoreditch, London.Fela Kuti once stated that “without Tony Allen, there would be no Afrobeat”.
His unique drumming style, which incorporates all four limbs, helped shape the funky rhythms that defined the genre.Since his influential work in the 70s,
Allen has established himself as an artist in his own right, recording and touring with his own band as well as collaborating with acclaimed contemporary musicians such as Sébastian Tellier, Air, Jarvis Cocker and Damon Albarn’s The Good, the Bad and the Queen.
Allen’s performance at BASS precedes the release of his new album ‘Secret Agent’, released in June 2009.
Joining him on the night and also performing will be Fela Kuti keyboard player Dele Sosimi, singer/dancer Wunmi and stalwarts of the diasporic scene Eric Soul & Rich Medina.
Feel free to spread the word as the chance to witness those incredible artists under the same roof at any one time in the future is very slim indeed....Lemi will also be appearing to curate the launch of the exhibition.
The ‘Art’s Own Kind’ launch will take place on 9 June at Rich Mix, Shoreditch, London. Entry is free and from 7.30pm onwards.
The Day after Edge09 present AFROBEAT: A CULTURE - a forum for all Afrobeat headz with a stellar panel that includes Lemi Ghariokwu (The Man responsible for Fela's artwork)Tony Allen (Afrobeat Master drummer) Rich Medina (Jump'n'Funk NYC)Wumni (Afrobeat Queen) Dele Sosimi (Keys/Egypt80).
The discussion will be hosted by Paul Bradshaw (Edge09/Straight No Chaser). Join us and a host of invited guests to assess the global impact of Afrobeat - a culture of creativity and resistance.
Art’s Own Kind 8June - 6 July 2009 Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, For more information on BASS Festival, including full line-up details, please visit www.bassfestival.co.uk.-ENDS-Press enquiries:
Please contact Luke McNaney at Rewired PR luke@rewiredpr.com.
