La Biennale di Venezia ; Illuminations

Since the establishment of the Biennale in Venice, at the end of theeighteenth century,as far as the 54 nations of Africa are concerned,Egypt is the only country to have maintained a national pavilion.Unfortunately, Africa and African artists have been unrepresented. As a result, it has been easy to dismiss the continent ,which is forever seemingly reaching out to receive food and money . Africa appears unconnected to the tide of the contemporary art world, but this is set to change.

The theme of this years Venice Biennale; Illuminations, sparks debate to sharpen our tools of perception and for all nations to question their geography and space that they occupy now and in the future "Seeing Ourselves" presented at the Zimbabwe Pavilion, presents a window into the life of that nation, through the eyes of four selected artists.

Zimbabwe's image has shifted away from being the beautiful and desirable house of stone - a nationally significant material, on which its reputation and very soul had been proudly built. Instead it's perception has undergone a radical shift and the country is seen as not so desirable and not so beautiful.

Misheck Masamvu an emerging young painter, is willing to move beyond the immediately commercial ,as seen in his Gentleman's Hustle.2011. He remarked 'I wish to produce a body of work pregnant of optimism and hope. I wish to stimulate positive energy and bring to attention the need to create new emblems and motifs that encourages dialogue. I desire to find alternative solutions to the sometimes dire circumstances we come across '.

Visit Venice and see for yourself !

Elise Godsell

Illuminazioni
La Biennale di Venezia
Until 27 November 2011

Manifesto:a means of expression

Manifesto presents Harare, Zimbabwean dance music

We are pleased to say that our first night back after the summer at Momo’s was one of the best nights to date, there was an amazing vibe within the authentic African setting.

Our second evening brings a special performance by Harare, which is one of the few groups to be playing Zimbabwean dance music in Europe . Formed by two musicians from the heart of Zimbabwean urban music.

Harare formed by Kudashe Matimba – marimba, keys, vocals, Kenny Chitsvatsva - Drumkit, Jules Faibe- Bass and Laurance Corns - Guitar combines different styles from Jit Jive to tradional hypnotic rhythms of mbira(lamellaphone) which reflect the different backgrounds of the people who make up the group. Harare music is also heavily influenced by Afro-Mbira, the genre develop by Thomas Mapfumo.

Led by highly energetic Kudashe Matimba, Harare have the style, momentum and experience to show there is a promising future ahead for Zimbabwean based dance music and for their exciting new songs.

This act is fantastic and will be a tremendously enjoyable evening that should appeal to anyone looking to experience the very best of Zimbabwe music.

Joining them will be resident DJ’s spinning music from a variety of African genres. Alberto Tavares open the evening with his mellow eclectic mix on the decks. Later in the evening DJ Todd Hart hits the turntables with his inimitable, sassy, and sexy spin on dance African style. Manifesto has invited the renowned Mozambique DJ Baga who is very well Know for his sets in Lisbon,Portugal.

Manifesto Acoustic is a concept whereby live music, afro-beats and DJ sessions intertwine. Manifesto team, in collaboration with Momo, one of the hippest, vibrant and eclectic clubs in London, look forward to seeing you.

8 October 2009
7.00pm - late
Starting at 7pm
Performance at 9pm
Free Admission


Manifesto: a means of expression

Manifesto presents Jally Kebba Susso - Manding Sabu

We are pleased to announce we are starting a new journey in this highly renowned place thats is known as Momo after our time at the exclusive and eclectic Double Club.

The band invited to perform and which is now part of Manifesto’s portfolio, is Jally Kebba Susso - Manding Sabu, a 5 member group that celebrates the GRIOT tradition. They are West African poets and wandering musicians. Popularly known as praise singers and storytellers, this band is keeping an exceptional African tradition alive.

Jally Kebba Susso is a Griot, and the Susso family goes way back in time as they represent a dynasty of traditional oral historians passed through generations. Kyasi Guitarist, Alua Percussion, Karl a bass player and Drea a lover of all things creative is a poet and singer.

Jally Kebba Susso - Manding Sabu ‘s ultimate goal is to “expand the boundaries of the griot tradition whilst keeping its heart and soul intact”.

This will be a tremendously enjoyable evening that should appeal to anyone looking to experience one of the most ‘infectiously danceable forms of music in the world!’

Joining them will be resident DJ’s spinning music from a variety of African genres. Alberto Tavares opens the evening with his mellow eclectic mix on the decks. Later in the evening DJ Todd Hart hits the turntables with his inimitable, sassy, and sexy spin on dance African style. Manifesto has invited the renowned Mozambique DJ Baga who is very well known for his sets in Lisbon, Portugal.

Manifesto Acoustic is a concept whereby live music, afro-beats and DJ sessions intertwine. Manifesto team, in collaboration with Momo, one of the hippest, vibrant and eclectic clubs in London, look forward to seeing you.

24 September 2009
7.00pm - late
Momo

25 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BH
Tube: Oxford Circus or Picadilly
www.momoresto.com
Admission is Free

Manifesto: a means of expression

Manifesto Night Out

Hi everyone,
Here is a video for you all to experience a taste of what Manifesto has to offer. The people, music and the delicious food we have on these nights. Come see for yourself!

Manifesto: a means of expression