Manifesto presents Simo Lagnawi

We are pleased to announce that our first night after 1 year was one of the best nights to date. There was an amazing vibe within the authentic African setting.

We are pleased to announce we are starting a new journey in a new place in Soho. Gerrard House will be the new ‘home’ of Manifesto, in a more warm, relaxed and familiar environment.

The band invited to perform and which is now part of Manifesto’s portfolio, is Simo Lagnawi. Simo is a charismatic dancer and player of the Guembri - a lute-like stringed instrument made from camel skin - while his mesmeric voice harks back to the original use of Gnawa in rousing people into a 'cleansing' trance. In the short three years the boundary-pushing Gnawa master Simo has been in the U.K he has already played in different venues including Leighton House and most recently Glastonbury Festival keeping an exceptional African tradition alive.

This will be a culturally rich night out that should appeal to anyone looking to experience one of the most intimist 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 Manifesto has invited the renowned producer and DJ Simbad. Constantly travelling between London, Tokyo or New York via Puerto Rico & other places , he has worked with some great artists including Tony Allen & Bugz In The Attic or Talvin Singh to name a few…Dj Simbad will hit the turntables with his inimitable, sassy, and sexy spin on dance African style.

Moreover, there will be a specially designed African inspired menu created exclusively for the Manifesto Acoustic evening. The menu consists of traditional Chicken stew from Angola (Xinxin) and Masamba from Mozambique.

Manifesto Acoustic is a concept whereby live music, afro-beats, DJ sessions and traditional food intertwine. Manifesto team look forward to seeing you.

30 July 2011

9 – 2am Gerrard House

40 Gerrard Street,

Soho, W1D 5QE

Tube: Leicester Square or Piccadilly

Admission: £5

Manifesto: a means of expression.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Musical

The musical Fela! based on the life of Fela Anikulapo- Kuti, is currently playing at London's National Theatre.

It may be two hours long, but with a mix of tight choreography from Bill T Jones and a 12 piece band belting out Afro Beat; a blend of funk jazz and traditional West African drumming, you are soon transported to 'The Shrine' in Lagos, summer of 1978.

Fela, who called himself Adami Edo (Strange One) was a musician who was both political activist and a gifted composer. A showman to the last, he lived life full to the full.

Hopefully this show will bring Fela's life and music to a wider audience.

Elise Godsell.

Not to be missed,

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 presents Mosi Conde & Kaira Kora Africa

Mosi Conde & Kaira Kora Africa are making their mark on the vibrant music scene in London and beyond, delighting both aficionados of African music and those who come from other grooves with their fresh vibes, good traditional music,with a London Twist.

MOSI CONDE is a young griot from Guinea Conakry's leading family: Sekouba 'Diamond fingers' Diabate is his uncle and his family are the inspiration for extented family and friends from Mory Kante to Salif Keita. As a soloist Mosi has played at WOMAD, for NELSON MANDELA and at numerous festivals.

KAIRA KORA AFRICA gather the crowds and make them dance, sing and enjot themselves. "They are stupendous! I never expected to find such good music in London", 'Killer Tracks' recently commented. Kaira Kora Africa led my Mosi Conde play Mosi's own irresistibly danceable compositions from his strong traditional background with urban city flavour.

This will be a tremendously enjoyable evening taht should appeal to anyone looking to experience one of the most'infectiosly 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 Acoustic is a concept whereby live music, Afro-beats and DJ sessions intertwine. Manifesto team in collaboration with the Double Club, one of the hippest, vibrant and eclectic clubs in London, look forward to seeing you.

Manifesto: a means of expression

Manifesto presents ZongZing All Stars

Bridging the Atlantic, from Congo to London


Manifesto is bringing a 8-piece band featuring top Congolese musicians to perform at The Double Club on Thursday 4th June 2009. The band - ZongZing All Stars - have been exploring and nurturing the ‘Soukous’ music from The Democratic Republic of Congo throughout the UK and further afield for the past years, they have played many venues and festivals, never failing to get audiences up and dancing to their spiritually uplifting sound.

ZongZing All Stars music is colourful and joyous and combines intricate guitar picking with a raw harmony singing style. The exciting interplay between the musicians epitomizes what great live music is all about. Band members are Fiston Lusambo on Lead and Mi Lead guitar, Ladi Mbala on Rhythmic Guitar, Declo on Bass, and Burkina faso on Lead Guitar and Mi Lead Guitar, Aimee Bongongo Vocal, Gianni Calugi on Vocals, Saidi Kanda on Conga and Gires on Drumers.

This will be a tremendously enjoyable evening that should appeal to African music devotees and also an entirely new audience looking to experience one of the most ‘infectiously danceable forms of music in the world!’

Manifesto Acoustic is a concept whereby live music, afro-beats and DJ sessions intertwine.

Manifesto: a means of expression

MANIFESTO presents MANDIGU SUBU

Mandigu Subu-Traditional music from Gambia

On the 7th May 2009, from 6pm till late , Manifesto will be at The Double Club once again. Alberto Tavares and his team want to bring you a little taste of traditional Africa.

The night will be powerful and filled with great rhythms.

The Band invited to perform and wich is now part of Manifesto's portfolio, is Mandigu Sabu,

a 6-member group that celebrates the Griot tradition. They are West African poets and wandering musicians. Popularly know 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, singer, songwriter,has played music for 10 years now. Jon Speedy is professional guitarist. Barbacarr Dieng is a singer and percussionist from Senegal. Silver Guy is a bass player.

Ife Painki, a lover of all things creative is a poet, dancer and singer.

This will be a cultually rich night out. Mandigu Sabu's ultimate goal is to "expand the boundaries of the Griot tradition whilst keeping its heart and soul intact" Manifesto Acoustic is a concept whereby live music, afro-beats and DJ sessions interwine.

Manifesto:a means of expression