The world of Amadou & Mariam (pictured) is a musical sphere that stretches from the dusty streets of Mali to playing at Coachella and Lollapalooza. Their unique mix of unforgettable pop melodies and contagious rhythms, driven by Amadou’s bluesy electric guitar and the compelling interplay of their two voices may have its roots deeply planted in Africa, yet this music effortlessly transcends classification.
Urban electro pop phenomenon Theophilus London released his debut LP Timez Are Weird These Days in 2011, following a series of wildly popular independent mixtapes and the Lovers Holiday EP. Timez Are Weird These Days explores the dreamlike headspace of a globetrotting young artist blurring the lines between 80’s rap, new wave beats, freestyle noise and the snarling guitars of psychobilly surf rock. London’s sound moves effortlessly through a range of emotions, from party starting dance floor defiance to moments of quiet intimacy and introspection.
Just a Band is a trio from Nairobi, Kenya consisting of “Blinky Bill” Sellanga, Dan Muli and Jim Chuchu, who came together as a creative force at Kenyatta University. Describing themselves as a “super-nerdy African electronic music/art collective,” in true DIY style, they not only write, record and engineer their albums, but also create their videos, packaging and promo items. Their 2009 video for the single “Ha-He” off the album of the same name was credited as the first viral sensation to emanate from Kenya. A mix of house, neo-soul with a touch of punk throws the group into a class all its own.
Before the show, join Summer Streets: play, run, walk and bike along nearly seven miles of car-free streets this August 4, 11 and 18.
New York City, NY; NYC