Dathliad Cymru-Affrica 2024 – Pembrokeshire 24th August, Artists info
Dathliad Cymru-Affrica 2024 – Pembrokeshire 24th August,
- Mokoomba: This six-piece band from Zimbabwe was born at the border with Zambia where the Zambezi River meets the legendary Victoria Falls. The band's unique sound is a fusion of the different cultures and influences of the region, combining traditional rhythms with contemporary Zamrock. Since releasing their groundbreaking album "Rising Tide" in 2012 Mokoomba have been captivating audiences around the world with their raw energy and melodic harmonies. Their impressive list of accolades includes winning the Music Crossroads Southern Africa award for Best Newcomer Band in 2008, being named "Best Newcomer" by Songlines in 2013, and winning Best Touring Artists at the Zimbabwe Music Awards in the same year. Listen to Mokoomba here. Reviews:“The best young band in Zimbabwe.”- The Guardian "I've seen the future of Afrosound and it is called Mokoomba"- RBB
- Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Experience: Dele was Musical Director and Afrobeat Music Consultant for the US award winning acclaimed musical FELA! at the National Theatre, London and has performed from the Montreux Jazz Festival to Mawazine Festival in Rabat Morrocco; Ollin Khan in Mexico, South Korea to the Copenhagen Jazz Festival. His blend of complex funk grooves, traditional Nigerian music, African percussion and an underlying sense of jazz combines with his virtuoso keyboard skills and rhythmic singing to make him one of the most respected Afrobeat authorities of his era. Reviews:“A true master of the form” - Clash Magazine “Dele Sosimi.. A total music legend!” - Cerys Matthews (BBC 6 Music). Listen to Dele Sosimi here.
- Asya Satti Yaz Fentazi: Swedish-Sudanese Asya Satti has a distinctive style which unites cultures. Asya’s tapestry of global sounds comes from spending her formative years travelling between Sweden, Egypt and the UK, all of which added to her love of Sudanese roots music and a desire to unite Sudanese Sufi music with Western and Arabic sounds. Working with Yaz Fentazi helped her to unlock that sound, and he has become a regular collaborator. Her music has attracted airplay from Tom Robinson at BBC Introducing plus tastemaker attention from Clash, Wonderland, Notion, FAULT Magazine, Women in Pop and XS Noize. Review:“a mesmerising fusion of modern alternative R&B, traditional Sudanese classical guitar, and energizing percussion.” - FAULT Magazine. Listen to Asya Satti here.
Internationally renowned Algerian virtuoso oud player Yaz Fentazi composes a blend of traditional and modern music that’s a uniquely clever and contemporary style of North African fusion, coming from a long tradition of absorbing influences. Review: The Guardian has described Fentazi's compositions as having "breadth and atmosphere, and his oud soloing, which recalls the drive and dynamism of world oud star Anouar Brahem, is often stunning”. He has been performed and recorded with many artists including: The Master Drummers of Africa, Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), Natacha Atlas, Trance Global Underground, Peter Ind, Marc Almond, Cheb Mami, Jim Palmer (Robert's son) and more. Listen to Yaz Fentazi here.
- Adjua: Adjua, is a Welsh/ Ghanaian songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer. She brings a unique and stylish Indie/grunge R&B sound to the Cardiff scene and beyond. She uses her distinct songwriting skills to create beautiful yet haunting melodies and harmony. With a particular lyrical focus on self-awareness, her music will leave you feeling reflective, emotional and wanting more. Listen to Adjua here.
- Ayoub & Ffion: Ffion Campbell-Daviesis a multidisciplinary artist and Associate Director of House Of Absolute. Born and raised in Wales, Ffion is Welsh speaking, non binary gender fluid with mixed Grenadian heritage. Ffion works with film, sound design and performance art using voice, text and poetry within the context of activism and healing. Ayoub Boukhalfa is a queer Moroccan singer known for Moroccan Chaabi music. He leads the Oasis One World Choir and sings with the Coronation Choir. Recognised as a top emerging LGBTQ+ figure in Wales, Ayoub uses his music to promote inclusivity and support marginalised voices. Together Ayoub and Ffion created Moroccan/Welsh fusion song ‘Achkid Awa’. This innovative song harmonises Moroccan Amazigh, Darija, and Welsh languages, resonating as a cross-cultural masterpiece that bridges diverse artistic horizons, showcasing the beauty of unity in linguistic and creative diversity.