16/07/2012

Africa Utopia !


Africa Utopia is a month-long festival of music, theatre, film, literature, dance, fashion, talks and debates programmed by Southbank Centre in conjunction with renowned Senegalese singer and human-rights campaigner Baaba Maal, as part of Southbank Centre’s Festival of the World with MasterCard.



Throughout the festival there are performances by iconic musicians who share Baaba Maal’s belief in the power of music for social change.

You can also hear from writers who provide insight into the reality of contemporary African culture. Meanwhile an invited group of young delegates – guided by ‘elders’ including Baaba Maal and Lemn Sissay – explore how art projects can be mobilized to bring about social change.Come along, join in and be part of this brand new festival!

Examples:

Queen Elizabeth Hall
Wednesday 18 July 2012 - Thursday 19 July 2012
A genre-bending collaboration between banjo virtuoso and 18-time Grammy award winner Béla Fleck with Malian diva and Wassoulou singer Oumou Sangaré, here performing tracks from Fleck's 'Throw Down


The Clore Ballroom
Saturday 21 July 2012
The very best in Afrobeats comes to Southbank Centre for one night only. 


The Front Room at QEH
Saturday 21 July 2012
Sound and video artist Emeka Ogboh, visual artist Mary Evans and other distinguished artists and curators discuss contemporary African art and the global art market.


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More:

Africa Utopia explores where the continent can lead the world, including the role of music and theatre, sustainable technologies and the spirit of innovation and hope of the continent’s young people.
Senegalese singer and human rights champion Baaba Maal leads a council of elders of international musicians, artists, writers and activists in a three-week cultural summit, to show what Africa has to offer the world.
Taking the imagery of a traditional African village as a forum, 30 young people will be invited to discuss some of the world's pressing problems, using examples of groundbreaking projects in Africa to suggest solutions. The Royal Festival Hall will be at the heart of the village with a wide range of music, theatre, dance, talks and debates.
Baaba Maal is a Senegalese singer and guitarist born in Podor, on the Senegal River. In addition to acoustic guitar, he also plays percussion. He has released several albums, both for independent and major labels. In July 2003, he was made a UNDP Youth Emissary.
Africa Utopia is produced with support from Arts Council England. Part of the Southbank Centre’s Festival of the World.

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Southbank Centre
Belvedere Road
Southwark
SE1 8XX

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