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Written by Simba
Thursday, JUNE 27, 2013 entry 7:30 PM | show 9 PM
ADV $20 | door $25
Lula Lounge 1585 Dundas St W, Toronto reserve for dinner to guarantee seating
Batuki Music Society presents
an AfriCanada Day Special AFRICAN GUITAR SUMMIT
only in Canada, eh?
"Born in Africa, united in Canada..." Almost ten years ago, when the members of African Guitar Summit were recruited by CBC Radio for first a concert at Toronto's Glenn Gould Studio, and subsequently a recording, the idea of musicians from different backgrounds playing together was less prevalent. Not so today.
Then as now, the ensemble represented a uniquely Canadian cultural identity: "a diverse group... who have all brought... gifts of their own to this country." That reflection was substantiated both by the 2005 Juno Award won by that debut album, and by the group's appearance a few months later at the Live 8 concert in Barrie, which showcased the best of Canadian talent to an international audience. Since that breakthrough, followed by a second CD and countless kilometres of touring, African Guitar Summit remains "a miracle of compromise and teamwork: each guitarist is a lead voice in their own right, and they work with disparate styles that might otherwise seem irreconcilable"... worthy 'musical ambassadors' for an early start to Canada Day celebrations.
AFRICAN GUITAR SUMMIT
Indulge in the sounds of the finest Canadian guitarists of African origin! This star-studded collective unites the talents of 9 musicians, each an expert in their individual style and together creating musical magic with African Guitar Summit. Experience live this superb and unique achievement for African music; the mix of musicians who are distinct in cultural backgrounds and languages yet sharing stories and singing each other’s praises, the inspiration of these skilled hands and voices joined in common to reach the summit… a truly incredible experience!
The 'Toronto-combo' of African Guitar Summit for this '(Afri)Canada Day Special' features: from Ghana, the elder master of the guitar, Pa Joe, with 'golden voice' Theo Boakye, also a percussionist, the solid basslines of Ebenezer Agyekum, and the heartbeat of drummer Kofi Ackah; from Kenya, the Fiesta guitar of Professor Adam Solomon; and from Madagascar, the quicksilver guitars and harmonies of Donne Roberts, and multiple Juno Award winner Madagascar Slim.
The African Guitar… The history of the guitar in Africa is perhaps one of the best examples of the cross-fertilization of music within that continent, and of the ongoing “feedback loop” of musical influences back and forth between Africa and the Western hemisphere. This complimentary flow of music and musicians continues to this day.
Todd Fraracci producer of both Vol. I & II CDs
The Guitar In Africa It is the guitar, of all the western instruments, that has been most thoroughly indigenised in Africa. Some have suggested the instrument was first introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century – but there is no evidence of this. The popularity of the guitar in Africa probably corresponded with the widespread 19th century adoption of this originally Spanish instrument in Europe and America, and was subsequently introduced to Africa during the late 19th century in a variety of possible ways. ... click to continue article
Dr. John Collins the Bokoor African Popular Music Archives Foundation (BAPMAF)
The Six String Nation Guitar Made from 64 pieces of Canadian history, 'Voyageur', the Six String Nation guitar is a symbol uniting this vast and diverse land.
photo credit: Doug Nicholson courtesy of Jowi Taylor, Six String Nation
want to read more? please click on the above links (in orange & underlined).
