Transportive, complex rhythms and lilting guitars —all West African trademarks —meld with familiar Latin sounds to bring you a spirited evening exploring new territory in diasporic connections. "Like a diasporic boomerang, African traditions sent to the New World and transformed in the Latin Caribbean can now be heard returning 'home'" - Oliver Wang, NPR. Soy Africano highlights the overlooked history and widespread influence of latin music in West Africa by showcasing the ways in which clave-based Cuban music and New York Salsa were embraced by Africans, and led to thriving “latin afro” scenes in countries like Senegal, Benin, Guinea and the Congo.
Featured vocalists include Afrisa International's Wawali, Congolese-Angolan singer Ricardo Lemvo, Chicano Batman's Bardo Martinez, Brazilian songstress Thalma de Freitas and the legendary Lazaro Gallaraga among other surprise guests.
Full line-up includes:
Anita Assimwe - Vocals
Bardo Martinez - Vocals, Keyboards
Edgar Modesto - Percussion
Fabio Santana - Trombone
Gabriel Garcia - Guitar
Huit Kilos - Guitar
Jonathan Montes - Keys
Josiel Perez - Trumpet
Kahlil Cummings - Percussion
Lazaro Galarraga - Vocals
Nakeiltha "Nikki" Campbell - Percussion
Randal Fisher - Tenor Saxophone, Flute
Ricardo Lemvo - Vocals
Te'Amir Sweeney - Drums
Thalma de Freitas - Vocals
Tylana Renga - Violin
Wawali - Vocals
Yosmel Montejo - Bass
w/ Special Guests
Produced for Grand Performances by Radio Afrique and Dexter Story (Music Director/Conductor)
Sponsored by United Airlines.
Evolución L.A.tino series explores Latino and Chicano culture, power, influence and experiences from a local and global perspective through music, theater, film, culinary arts, and expert panel/lectures. This series is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
SPONSORED BY:
HOSPITALITY PARTNERS
