Fans of World Music mark December 1st - 4th on your calendars. On those dates the Kalalu World Music festival will make its debut in St. Lucia. Plans for this exciting event were announced Tuesday September 13th at SOB’s, New York’s home for the music, by festival director Adrian Augier and Lorine Charles St. Jules of the St. Lucia Tourist Board.
The Kalalu festival takes its name from that uniquely Caribbean dish whose main ingredient, callaloo leaves was brought from Africa in the 17th century. It is only natural then that given the influence of the motherland that African Artists from Senegal to South Africa will be a key ingredient in the festival line up. Caribbean music Latin, Creole and West Indian, has in turn inspired modern African artists so the festival offers a unique opportunity to hear the musical cross currents interact.
Friday’s Show will offer the spectacular voices of Jose Alberto “El Canario” and Guinean Sekouba “Bambino” Diabate. Bambino was born into a griot family and has become not only the most popular singer in his country but one of the great voices of all Africa. He is best known outside of Guinea for his work with the popular Afro-Latino super group Africando. Martin Sinnock of africasounds.com says of Bambino “He is desperately proud of his country’s rich musical tradition, but at the same time keen to present his music in a contemporary and very internationally appealing manner.” Bambino performed a short set of Mande praise song, at the SOBs opening, joined by the Cameroonian born, New York based songstress Kaissa.
Idrissa Diop of Senegal and Haitian Emeline Michel, La Reine de la Chanson Creole (Queen of Haitian Song), headline the opening night Thursday, December 1st.
On Friday Cuban legends Orquestra Sensaccion, who first performed in 1953 and will bring the classic rhythms of the island, charanga, cha cha cha, rhumba and more to the stage. Kekele’s rhumba inspired rhythms will also fill the air. Rhumba was the music of the 70’s and 80’s in the Congo and Kekele’s 2001 release Rumba Congo captures the spirit of the era. Also on stage will be one of the foremost guitarists in the Caribbean, St. Lucian Ronald “Boo” Hinkson, likely featuring music from his latest release Beyond. Rounding out the evening’s featured acts and representing urban youth will be Yerba Buena, a collective of latin artists whose music crosses musical genres. Andres Levin leader of the New York based band says of their latest release Island Life “I always want the Yerba Buena sound to be evolving. Yerba Buena will always be about Afro-Cuban roots but this record has more gypsy and cumbia influences” Yerba Buena gives these traditional forms a contemporary urban groove.
The music of his native South African and American jazz have shaped the sound of Hugh Masekela who will headline the closing evening of music. Also eagerly anticipated is the opportunity to hear Blue-mango’s jazz influenced explorations into their Creole roots, Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca, and the funana dance music of Cape Verdians Ferro Gaitia.
The goal of the festival Augier says is “to make St. Lucia the Mecca for the arts in the Caribbean.” A vision made possible when Heineken Music came aboard as principal sponsor. Samaans Park, where the event takes place is an exciting new venue with dramatic views of the sea and sky.
Story from CaribWorldradio.com
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