Band on the Wall is elighted to present one of global music’s most exciting stars live as she visits Manchester as part of her major new international tour.
In 2012 BBC Radio 3 World Music winner and contemporary voice of Mali, Rokia Traore was one of the highlights of Damon Albarn’s acclaimed Africa Express, where she performed alongside the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, John Paul Jones and countless other artists. Now in 2013, following a storming set on Later With Jools… and sets planned at both Glastonbury and WOMAD, she embarks on a major international tour of new album Beautiful Africa. While still holding true to her African roots, Rokia rocks out on her new songs so expect this to be a truly thrilling night.
Born in Mali as a member of the Bambara ethnic group she travelled widely in her youth and visited such countries as Algeria, Saudi Arabia, France and Belgium and was exposed to a wide variety of influences. Her hometown of Kolokani is in the northwestern part of Mali’s Koulikoro region.
Her first album Mouneïssa (Label Bleu), released in late 1997 in Mali and September 1, 1998 in Europe, was acclaimed for its fresh treatment and unqualifiable combinations of several Malian music traditions such as her use of the ngoni and the balafon. It sold over 40,000 copies in Europe. She won the BBC Radio 3 World Music Award in 2003 and Songlines Best Artist Award in 2009.
Advance booking strongly recommended.
‘Rokia Traoré sings in the language of her native Mali, but that is where the comparisons with most of her musical compatriots end. Listening to her induces a peculiar and seductive kind of cultural vertigo. [She has] an extraordinary voice, by turns declarative and caressing. If you had to guess the location of the person behind this otherworldly music you might equally well pick Venus as Bamako.’ The Times
This event will begin at 7.30pm but our Picturehouse Cafe Bar is open from 5.30pm for delicious food and drinks
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