Soukous Stars...World Music legends...need I say more?
The greatest names in soukous are back! Lokassa ya M'bongo, Ballou Canta, Dally Kimoko, Yondo Sister, Lucien Bokilo, brought back together specially for the festival. Revelations of the earliest editions of Nuits d'Afrique and well known at the Balattou that is has set alight on more than one occasion, Soukous Stars is known as the world’s best soukous group. A mixture of rumba, zouk and traditional Congolese beats, soukous (meaning “jolt” – this says it all!) is the symbol of modern African music. Atmosphere guaranteed!
Les Espoirs de Coronthie put on 2 separate performances at this years Nuits D'Afrique. This second show, part of the outdoor series, was an absolute must-see.
There are 14 of them, but they perform as one. They are all from Coronthie, a humble neighbourhood in Conakry, and 10 years ago they became true stars in Guinea. Their melodies are on everyone’s lips and ring out in every public place. Their music brings people together. Relying solely on traditional instruments and three outstanding voices, they sing of everyday life and of love.
JuJu (Justin Adams & Juldeh Camara) - Nightwalk [Live]
JuJu (Justin Adams & Juldeh Camara) - Nightwalk [Live]
I was incredibly happy to see that montreal157 put this video up on their YouTube Channel. It was an absolute high point of this years Nuits D'Afrique 2011, but a lot of attendees missed it because it took place in the small side tent in between main-stage sets. I fortunately had a seat in perfect earshot and was blown away by this performance. It's a poetry slam by Fabrice Koffy backed on Kora by Zal Sissokho (I unfortunately don't know the guitar player.) It was certainly a high point for us at MyWorldMusicFriends.com.
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