Thurs 19th Dec: Rainbow Hair by FUDGE

 Thanks once again to the genius Tracy Hayes at Fudge for colouring my hair and creating a rainbow for me!  This is the best yet - my ultimate dream!  

Monday 16th Dec: Africa Express "Maison De Jeunes" launch

Last Monday evening Africa Express reunited for the launch of their new album Maison De Jeunes at a gig in London with international guests Songhoy Blues from Mali and Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) from NYC.  The evening began with a film screening of last year's UK train tour, followed by a Q&A with this year's contributors Brian Eno, Ghost Poet, Olugbenga and organiser Damon Albarn himself.  The album was then brought to life on stage as the musicians combined in the various formations for each track.  It was the London debut for the artists who Stephen Budd had invited from Timbuktu, and their exuberant energy and excitement meant they couldn't leave the stage!   This music was all written and recorded one week in October at Bamako's "Maison De Jeunes", when the international collective joined forces with selected local talent.    Here you can hear the first few releases ft. the family of artists including Abdou Traoré, Andre de Ridder, Bassekou Kouyate, Brian Eno, Cid Rim, Damon Albarn, David Maclean from Django Django, Djigui, Ghostpoet, HOLY OTHER, Jeff Wooton, Kankou Kouyaté, Lil Silva, Madou Sanogo Djembe, Modibo Traoré, Nick Zinner fromYeah Yeah Yeahs, Olugbenga, Pauli the PSM, Remi Kabaka, Samba Kouyaté, Sammy Jay, Seye, Two Inch Punch, Yacuba Cissoko...........

 ‘Rapou Kanou’ performed by Malian rapper Tal B Halala, produced by Two Inch Punch..................

Songhoy Blues - Soubour, produced by Nick Zinner

Sunday 15th Dec: FELABRATION 2013

Here are photos from last night's FELABRATION 2013 gig,  in celebration of the album release for "RED, HOT & FELA", honouring Fela Kuti's 75th Birthday & Life.  THE DELE SOSIMI AFROBEAT ORCHESTRA kept the tunes going all night whilst special guests took it in turn to take stage for lead vocals inc. SHINGAI SHONIWA ( of The Noisettes ), BALOJI, OLUGBENGA ( Metronomy ), BLAK TWANG and ESKA accompanied by the GOLDSMITH VOCAL ENSEMBLE.  It was an awesome experience to be able to listen and dance to the tracks I know but never had a chance to see live - with the crescendo of everyone of stage for the closing number "Water No Get Enemy".   Here is the beautiful Eska with her Fela inspired makeup for the evening, and Shingai who looked like a radiant queen in a gold beaded onesie and hair adornment.   The energy on stage was infectious and easy to see how the original band would have played ALL night………….. if only we could step back in time and take part in that party!  To see what I mean, watch this documentary on the Fela story …… here.