GROOVES: Gilberto Gil will host Back2Black and also perform at the Isle of Wight Festival
Gilberto Gil
Published: 28 June, 2012
by ROISIN GADELRAB
Paul Weller’s Jodrell Bank show was called off due to bad weather, and those at the Isle of Wight Festival looked as if they’d gone to a mud bath convention.
So, as we can’t say from one minute to the next what the weather’s going to be like, and, as we’re not in Brazil where this next festival originated, it makes sense to head to the Barbican’s Back2Black festivities this weekend where you can almost guarantee there won’t be a welly in sight at this rainproof indoor fiesta.
For the first time, Back2Black – a celebration of African roots in music and culture, this time with an emphasis on UK connections – will take place away from its origins in Rio, instead setting up camp in Old Billingsgate, overlooking the Thames.
Hosted by and featuring Gilberto Gil, and part of the London 2012 Festival, the mammoth line-up includes Macy Gray, Marcelo D2, Amadou & Mariam, Hugh Masekela, Roots Manuva, Mart’nália, Fatoumata Diawara, will entertain for the next three days (June 29-30 and July 1).
With three different stages and an extensive programme of concerts, debates, exhibitions and food and drink, the eclectic line-up will feature more than 30 Brazilian, UK and international artists, groups, thinkers and leaders, all set against the backdrop of a large-scale exhibition by Brazilian artist and director Bia Lessa.
Highlights include Tropicalia superstar Jorge Ben Jor performing on Sunday with his band, as well as a rare collaboration with Gilberto Gil, Vieux Farka Touré on Friday, Gilles Peterson stirring up Saturday’s bill and Brazilian singer-songwriter Mauricio Baia playing the Terrace Stage on Sunday.
During the weekend, Back2Black will host a series of live interviews and panel sessions with artists and cultural commentators, curated by José Eduardo Agualusa (Angola) which will include a conversation between Gilberto Gil and Hugh Masekela on “Music & Exile”, a session on “Cultural Identity & Communities” featuring City of God author Paulo Lins, musician and poet Kalaf Ângelo and Professor David Treece, and a debate on “Literature & Democracy” featuring celebrated African writers, Orange Prize winner Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Tahar Ben Jelloun.
And if the music, cultural debates and dancing aren’t enough, there will also be drumming displays and workshops from Drum Heads – an ensemble of young musicians from east London – and the Pracatum School from Salvador de Bahia, Brazil.
Save some pennies for east London’s Open The Gate’s alternative fair – an African Market selling original and ethical fashion, accessories, jewellery, shoes as well as arts and crafts, homeware, natural beauty products, books, music and more.
There will also be ecologically aware and socially responsible products from Brazilian designers, alongside Brazilian music, books, street-food stalls and charities.
Expect a heady mix of different traditions and musical genres, including Samba, Jazz, Funk, R’n’B, Blues, Rock, Reggae, Dub and Hip Hop.
• For full details visit www.barbican.org.uk/back2black