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| New Africa Live: Presents the New Africa Music Series On Friday, May 30th, 2008 New Africa Live again returns to the Zipper Theater to host a premiere screening of Zina Saro-Wiwa's new film This is My Africa (55 Min.) and live musical performances by Ugandan MC Krukid and Morrocan jazz vocalist Malika Zarra. Doors will open at 9:00pm and the show will kick off at 9:30pm. The Zipper Factory is located at 336 West 37th Street in Manhattan. Tickets are $20 and seating is available on a first come first seated basis. "NEW AFRICA LIVE's purpose to carve out a cultural space of belonging for a New African experience is surely being realized, " says New Africa Live producer and critically acclaimed Rwandese-Ugandan jazz vocalist Somi. "In our third showcase, with the addition of screening This is My Africa, we continue to challenge homogenized notions of African cultural expression, while celebrating the diversity of New African artists." This is My Africa "is a 50-minute crash course in African culture, " according to Nigerian-born and London-raised guerilla filmmaker Zina Saro-Wiwa. A presenter for BBC and Radio 4, Saro-Wiwa also serves as advisor to both British Council's Music Unit and The Africa Centre in London. Her film explores the perceptions of 20 people, black and white, who love the African continent. Featured in the film are Chiwetel Ejiofor, Colin Firth, Yinka Shonibare, among others. Edwin "Krukid" Ruyonga is from Kampala, Uganda, but now an Illinois resident hoping to make his mark as an original emcee. His critically acclaimed first album Raisin' in the Sun (2006) and his highly anticipated sophomore release Afr-I-Can on legendary hip-hop label Rawkus Records in 2008 have landed him opening spots for hip-hop superstars The Roots, Talib Kweli, and Lil' Jon. Since moving New York City, world jazz vocalist Malika Zarra has worked with some of the most celebrated jazz musicians in the world. Her debut Ebony Road was released in 2006. The beautiful Moroccan vocalist offers a refreshing blend of East and West while singing in French, English, and Arabic over a mix of jazz, Berber and Gnawa rhythms. Past performers are guitarist Lionel Loueke (Benin), vocalist virtuoso Gino Sitson (Cameron), Soul Singer Abena Koomson (Ghana), jazz vocalist Loide (Mozambique), and urban rock band BLK JKS (South Africa). Join NEW AFRICA LIVE as we celebrate the colorful diversity of these artists while forging a thriving arts community, which embraces their cosmopolitan spirit, urban hybridization and most importantly a pride in the rich heritage of their homeland. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |