The band Afriquoi showcases music that carries a message of healing and happiness and are known for their ability to get the crowd on their feet and dance
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Come Groove To Funky African Beats at RWMF 2023
Groove along to funky and upbeat African rhythms from Safi Theatre Group (Tanzania) and Afriquoi (UK).
Groove along to funky and upbeat African rhythms from Safi Theatre Group (Tanzania) and Afriquoi (UK).
KUCHING: Music lovers can look forward to grooving along to funky and upbeat African rhythms from two of its international acts – Safi Theatre Group from Tanzania and Afriquoi from the United Kingdom!
Organized by Sarawak Tourism Board, the 26th RWMF will be Sarawak’s unforgettable ‘ambassador’, delivering sounds of Sarawak, to the ears and hearts of music lovers, worldwide.
Safi Theatre is a dance-based performance group that showcases improvised traditional ngoma music (drumming and dance), blending their captivating and lively shows with acrobatics in order to create an exciting mix of traditional Tanzanian music and artistic creativity. Musically, the group plays a variety of danceable and energetic tunes by using traditional percussive instruments as well as other contemporary ones which include Snare drum, Conga flutes, and Toms.
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Led by Ramadhani Maneno, the members also comprise young musicians and dancers between the ages of ten to 20 years old, whose performances are inspired by the richness of Tanzanian traditions and cultural diversity which they believe are not being shared enough. According to Maneno, having young performers is an element of sustainability as it is the best way to keep their heritage and traditions alive for future generations.
The troupe is very proud to share their Tanzanian culture and tradition with the world over the years, having performed at various international events such as the annual Festival Rudolstadt in Germany and Saruj Kund Mela in India. Safi Theatre believes that this cultural exchange, which includes musical instruments and songs, could potentially facilitate future collaborations.
Afriquoi is a UK-based sensation that fuses African rhythms with live electronic beats, creating an incomparable sound that is both energetic and mesmerizing. Their live performances combine Gambian kora, Congolese guitar, and Mandinka percussion styles with electronic music drawing on house, garage, disco, soul, and jungle to create something entirely unique.
The band – comprising of Jally Kebba Susso playing the Kora; Fiston Lusambo on guitar, Andre Espeut as the lead vocalist, Nico Bentley raving on the electronics, keyboard, bass, and André Marmot on percussions – showcases music that carries a message of togetherness, health, healing, and happiness and is known for their ability to get the crowd on their feet and dance. Formed in 2011 out of London’s cultural melting pot, they have established a cult global fanbase, loved by fans both of African and electronic music. Their Afro house classic ‘Kudaushe’ has become an established favorite in clubs all over the world, and they have toured all over Europe, with huge crowds singing along to their songs on major stages at Glastonbury, WOMAD, Dimensions, Fusion, Boomtown, Shambala, Bestival, Secret Garden Party, and the London 2012 Olympics.
Being their first time in Malaysia, Afriquoi is thrilled to be invited to perform at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2023. They are excited to be in a new environment and indulge themselves in the extraordinary musical experience that awaits in Sarawak. Their message to RWMF2023 attendees? “We cannot wait to meet you, get ready and make sure to dance along!”
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Filed in: Rainforest World Music Festival / RMWF 2023 / sarawak / Sarawak Tourism Board
