Alpha Blondy and Mory Kante to lead a galaxy of stars set to rock Nairobi in December

In a first-of-its-kind fete set for December, some of Africa’s leading artistes will stage a performance at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, writes GEORGE ORIDO.

Africa’s music legends, led by Guinean Mory Kante, are set to rock Nairobi’s with their authentic and classic music that has been celebrated by the world during the festive month of December in what is anticipated to be the biggest music festival recently witnessed.

Globally known for his evergreen hit Yeke Yeke, Kante, armed with his Kora, will lead his band at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre on December 5 in part of the repertoire that will also be graced by Reggae great Alpha Blondy among other acts.

In a show of musical diversity, the two will also be joined by Zimbabwe’s Selmor Mtukudzi, Isabel Novella from Mozambique, Teddy Afro of Ethiopia, Yamoto Boys of Tanzania and Joel Sebunjo of Uganda.

Of course there will be a rich infusion of Kenyan talent led by boy band-of-the-moment Sauti Sol, Benga diva Suzanna Owiyo, Sengenya’s Juma Tutu and Kenyan–Burundian Kidum.

A surprise guest will be unveiled at the concert.

“Alpha will finally get to perform here in Naiorbi alongside other African musicians and we are here to show Kenyans and East Africans that it is possible to have our very best perform at home,” said festival organiser, Dutch-Gambian Oko Drammeh, when he visited The Standard offices in Nairobi.

Major African names

Oko is known for founding the Africa Music Festival that has drawn thousands of attendees annually in World capitals including Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Delft, Beijing, Tokyo and many Caribbean capitals.

Over the years, the event has featured most of the major names in African music, including Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Salif Keita, Manu Dibango, Mory Kante, Osibisa, Franco and T.P.O.K Jazz, Tabu Ley, Thomas Mapfumo, Stella Chiweshe, Angelique Kidjo, Lucky Dube and a host of others.

And the choice of the KICC is a good one given the huge success witnessed during the recent Morgan Heritage show at the same venue hosted by Tru Blaq Entertainment under the able leadership of promoter Big Kev.

Other than the performances, the festival will host a conference on December 4, a day before the extravaganza with big Hollywood producers and actors presenting to participants on the best way to market African music at home and beyond.

“We are working with the African Union to bring this group of musicologists and artistes to empower our own creatives on how to sell our art and eke out a decent living from it,” explained Oko, donning black rimmed spectacles and bearing an uncanny resemblance to Barrack Obama Senior.

Oko says he decided to bring the festival to Kenya after being impressed by President Uhuru Kenyatta’s open-arms invitation to citizens from other African countries.

“I have come with this festival to give confidence to the young musicians and use music as a vehicle to promote peace across the countries of our motherland,” explained Oko.

According to him the festival is going to provide a glimpse of the rich diversity of African music and culture by presenting a great variety of African rhythms, melodies, instruments and African sounds.

The festival was founded in 1983 in Delft, Holland by the Gambian producer and has featured all the best and most famous African musicians.

“Standard Group has come in to partner with Africa Music Festival because it is a great opportunity to have our own Kenyan artistes performing alongside Africa’s greatest,” explained Charles Otieno the Managing Editor of The Nairobian.

He said that the fact that the event will compete in standards with similar concerts held in famous worlds capitals is a good sign that Kenya, and Africa, are rising.

In addition to music performances, the event will feature a cultural fair and craft exhibition with vendors selling African art, fashion, jewellery, musical instruments, African food, CDs, books and other gift items.

A children’s area will provide entertainment for the young with face painting, temporary tattoos, a moon bounce, magicians and other activities.

Oko Drammeh was born in Gambia. He grew up working as a disc jockey for radio stations, nightclubs and social events.

Later, he became the producer and promotions manager of a Gambian musical band called Infang Bondi, through which he was able to learn more about the Gambian music scene. In 1981, he moved to Holland to join his family.

While in Europe, he realised that Infang Bondi and African music in general, was unique and could compete with sounds from other parts of the world.