Upcoming Events
DAKHABRAKHA from Ukraine
Kyiv’s DakhaBrakha returns to Victoria with its powerful, sonic feast and visual spectacle, continuing their support for Ukrainian culture and resistance. The quartet’s “ethno-chaos” sound plumbs the depths of Ukrainian roots and contemporary rhythms, fusing ancient folk melodies with everything from indie rock and pop to hip hop and the avant-garde. Intimate then riotous, this soulful tapestry of the unexpected creates “live shows that take DakhaBrakha beyond mere curiosity to utter brilliance.” (NPR)
ANTIBALAS Afrobeat Orchestra
Antibalas (Spanish for "bulletproof") is an American, Brooklyn-based afrobeat band founded in 1998 by Martín Perna. Initially inspired by Fela Kuti's Africa 70 band and Eddie Palmieri's Harlem River Drive Orchestra, the music generally follows the musical architecture and language of afrobeat and incorporates elements of jazz, funk, dub, improvised music, and traditional drumming from Cuba and West Africa. Their sets are packed with free-flowing jams led by charismatic frontman Abraham Amayo, whose call-and-response choruses are infectiously catchy. From the pulsating percussion to the funk-driven horns, every aspect of Antibalas' show is brimming with energy that gives ticket buyers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. This concert is in support of their new recording, "Hourglass".
SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR: “Peace” Tour
Spreading a jubilant celebration of music, hope and unity, the spectacular and colourful GRAMMY Award-winning 20-person Soweto Gospel Choir return this holiday season with their new show Peace, with a joyful program of South African freedom songs, traditional spirituals and some classics from Aretha Franklin, Kate Bush, Leonard Cohen and more! Through its earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, brilliant costumes and infectious spirit, a Soweto Gospel Choir performance truly elevates the soul.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Vancouver Show
Hailing from South Africa, this Grammy-winning nine-member a cappella ensemble has earned the adoration of listeners the world over. Borrowing from both traditional Zulu music and gospel, Ladysmith Black Mambazo combines call-and-response, harmonization, and soulful melody to vigorously uplifting effect. The group was an integral part of Paul Simon’s groundbreaking 1986 album Graceland.
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO – Victoria show
Hailing from South Africa, this nine-member a cappella ensemble has earned the adoration of listeners the world over. Borrowing from both traditional Zulu music and gospel, Ladysmith Black Mambazo combines call-and-response, harmonization, and soulful melody to vigorously uplifting effect. Designated by Nelson Mandela as “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world,” the members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo have for decades delivered messages of peace, love, and harmony through their music.
AHMED MONEKA Arabic Jazz – Vancouver
Drawing on his Afro-Sufi musical heritage, Juno-nominated Ahmed Moneka presents a vibrant and transcendent fusion of African rhythms and Arabic folk melodies, enriched by contemporary influences of funk, soul, and jazz. Moneka, alongside his stellar global ensemble, invites listeners to a jubilant celebration of life. His music explores love in all its forms while evoking a deep sense of longing for one’s homeland, all through original compositions and timeless Middle Eastern classics.
Habib Koité & West African supergroup Mandé Sila – Victoria
Mandé Sila is the new acoustic project created around Habib Koité. Three standard-bearers of West African musical traditions come together to celebrate Mandé Sila: the way of the Mandingo empire, symbolizing languages, cultures, music, and the entire organology of West Africa. Habib is accompanied by ‘magic balafon’ Aly Keïta (Côte d'Ivoire) and Lamine Cissokho (Senegal) on the Kora. Three virtuoso artists bound together by the same cultural heritage, a melting pot that inspires their compositions and sublimates the revival of the genre. The trio will be joined on stage by Habib's long-time percussionist , Mama KONE. Malian Habib Koité, one of Africa's most popular and recognized musicians, is a modern troubadour who captivates audiences with his musicality, wit and wisdom.
Beyond the Pale – Klezmer-Balkan-Bluegrass-Jazz
For over 25 years Toronto’s Beyond the Pale has been making its distinctive brand of boundary-busting Eurofolk fusion. Inspired by Klezmer and Balkan styles but influenced by everything from jazz and classical music to bluegrass, newgrass and reggae, Beyond the Pale’s music traverses a vast and exotic musical landscape, bound by no particular idiom and shaped by many.
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