The first of the WorldFest festivities, celebrating local diversity with an added global dimension, will welcome two headline acts at the Arc, Stockton on Thursday 22nd May at 7.30 pm.
- Kanda Bongo Man and his legendary soukous band (one of John Peel’s all time favourites). This is a chance to catch Kanda Bongo Man in Stockton before he plays the prestigious Africa Day celebrations in Trafalgar Square on Bank Holiday Monday. Star of the Live 8 event at the Eden Project, Cornwall in 2005, it has been said of Kanda “if Kanda Bongo Man doesn’t make you want to dance, call an ambulance, you’re dead.”
- Kasai Masai – Based in London and led by Voodoo King Nickens Nkoso, Kasaï Masaï brings us the Traditional Sound of the most remote equatorial villages with a Urban Twist. Named after a river, Kasai lies in the heart of the rain forest where many tribes such as the Pygmies still maintain their traditional lifestyles. The Masai, just like the Baka, are another dignified tribe whose lives still centre around a nomadic existence. Kasai Masai are making an appearance in Stockton prior to playing the major Wychwood Festival in Cheltenham at the end of the month.
Rowena Sommerville, Director of Programmes at Tees Valley Arts commented “We are delighted to bring Kanda Bongo Man back to the area after last year’s headline appearance at WinterFest. Please throw off your vest and dance the night away at this afro-pop spectacular!
Tickets are £7/£4 from the Arc Box Office, 01642 525199 and on the door.
All programme and ticketing details will be on www.worldfest.co.uk
WorldFest 08 is organised by Tees Valley Arts in partnership with African Arts Association and Middlesbrough Council.
Thanks also to Arts Council England North East; Creative Partnerships; Dickinson Dees LLB; Proportion Marketing; Unison; Thistle Hotel Middlesbrough; Kebabish Restaurant; Signs Express; Psyche.