Bombino - Born and raised in Niger, Omara “Bombino” Moctar is a member of the Tuareg Ifoghas tribe, which for centuries has fought against colonialism and the imposition of strict Islamic rule. During his lifetime, the Tuareg people have fought the Niger government to secure their rights on numerous occasions, causing Bombino and his family to flee several times. In exile, Bombino picked up the guitar and studied videos of Jimi Hendrix and Mark Knopfler in an effort to master their licks.
Young Fathers - Young Fathers is ‘G’ Hastings, Alloysious Massaquoi and Kayus Bankole. The three men are each named after their fathers – a unifying bond for a band that pushes against the binds of definition. They are rock and pop, hip hop and punk, and anything else you want to label them as. But really, they are none and all of these.
Fantastic Negrito - Fantastic Negrito is a man’s truth told in the form of black roots music. Each song is a true story about a musician from Oakland who experienced the highs of a million dollar record deal, the lows of a near fatal car accident that put him in a coma, and is now in the phase of rebirth despite his playing hand being mangled. Negrito’s music emphasizes rawness and space. Slide guitar, drums, piano.
New York City, NY; NYC