Music of Monday, 3 April 2006

Source: ghanamusic.com

Rex Omar On African Tour

The Alliance Franc?ise in collaboration with House on Fire will for the first time in Swaziland present a month of music from four different African countries (Congo, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Ghana).

House in Fire?s director Jiggs Thorne confirmed that the club would together with Alliance Franc?ise host a number of shows to be held at the night spot.

?We have already confirmed a number of events taking place at House on Fire next month and we are pleased to be bringing the best of African groups,? he said.Thorne said he was sure the shows would inspire all rhythm lovers to attend.

?House on Fire and the Alliance Franc?ise firmly believe that Swaziland can become a hot spot of African music,? he said.

The club director added that they were currently working on the programme of events.

The following events have already been confirmed:

Lokua Kanza - 14th April

Soft, melancholy acoustic music by Congolese musician. Lokua Kanza?s music has swept away the current clich?s regarding ex-Zaire music, with its rumba and diabolic Soukouss rhythms.

Lokua Kanza is a musician of multiple talents - a singer, composer and arranger when required. His music has attracted a number of well-known musicians including Youssou N?Dour, Patrick Bruel, Ismael Lo, Baaba Maal and many more, who not only performed with Lokua but also praised him for what they refer to as the ?renewal of African music?.

Lokua Kanza has been performing around the world, including Brazil, France, Spain, Italy, Germany and many African countries, both touring and attending festivals, from which his music has earned recognition by some of the most remarkable musicians of our century.

His success inspired a number of renowned American songwriters such as Lamont Dozier (of Motown Fame) and Siedah Garrett (songwriter for Michael Jackson) to participate in the release of his new album entitled ?Toyebi Te? (nobody knows where they are going).

Gazza - 21st April

One of Namibia?s leading artists, Gazza is most commonly known as the ?king of kwaito? in Namibia. His music can be defined as a mix of several influences including dance hall, ragga, hip/hop and kwaito.

His first two albums released in 2004, ?Tanauka? and ?Zula 2 Survive? have made him a household name in Namibia and ensured him airplay on international radio stations and television.

At the release of his third album in 2005 ?Stof-lap-Chikapute?, he was given the confirmation that following his dreams was leading him to success.

Oliver Mtukudzi - 28th April

Zimbabwean top singer, Oliver Mtukudzi will be back in Swaziland, which has almost become his second home!

It is unnecessary to present ?Tuku? in Swaziland as his last concert with famous Zimbabwean band ?The Black Spirits? left the audience mesmerised.

Rex Omar - 6th May

Rex Omar, from Ghana, is well recognised in West Africa for his unique mix of afro-pop and jazz music.

Not only renowned for his singing, Rex Omar is also a composer, arranger, producer and cultural advocate with 18 years of professional experience.

His music is inspired by his cultural heritage and native rhythms, in combination with his love for jazz. Rex has won several awards including the Ghana Music Award for Best Contemporary Song of 2004 and a Kora Awards nominee in 2004.