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| New Africa Live Returns at The Zipper Theater On Friday, March 21, the New Africa Music Series will return to the Zipper Theater in an evening of divine performances from Ghanaian soul singer Abena Koomson & Mozambican jazz vocalist Loide. The Zipper Factory is located at 336 West 37th Street in Manhattan. Carving out a cultural space of belonging for the New African experience, critically acclaimed Rwandese-Ugandan jazz vocalist Somi decided to partner with various venues in New York City and curate a bimonthly music showcase that challenges homogenized notions of African cultural expression and celebrates New African artists as they express themselves in a multitude of languages, rhythms, and genres. Abena Koomson is originally from Ghana but was raised in New England. A Brooklyn-based performer, educator and graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, she recently released the self-produced album "Constellations" in December 2007. While her voice evokes a soothing aura, her recording debut highlights Abena's lush and layered use of the space between acoustic and electronic music as fiercely original. Washington DC-based jazz vocalist Loide has roots in Mozambique and Guineau Bissau though born in Paris and raised California. Serving up a mix of contemporary jazz and warm afro-lusophone rhythms, Loide's music is reflective of her own eclectic roots. An immigration attorney by day, she has spent the last 7 years honing her musical craft in some of the East Coast's hippest speakeasies and jazz clubs by night. Loide cites Sarah Vaughn, Cesaria Evora and Miriam Makeba as some her greatest musical influences, but believes it is her African heritage that has provided her with a fresh musical perspective, a unique sound, and her native tongue, Portuguese. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |