Perhaps best known as the frontman of Afro Celt Sound System, the Belgium-based artist N’Faly Kouyaté will be hitting the road for nine intimate shows with his new solo project. Beginning at Southampton’s Turner Sims on 8th February, the tour will include Bradford-on-Avon’s Wiltshire Music Centre on the 11th February….
N’Faly Kouyaté’s UK tour will be preceded by the release of a brand new single, “Premiers Pas”, a powerful, political track that finds the artist echoing Africa’s call for total autonomy. Offering a poignant reflection on Africa’s tumultuous history, the single will shine a light on the suffering, terror, and an unquenchable thirst for freedom the continent has endured. Merging French and Malinké languages, the lyrics reflect Africa’s fervent call for complete control, with N’Faly Kouyaté requesting the world recognise Africa’s right to shape its own destiny. It will be streaming on all services on 3 February 2024.
The release of “Premiers Pas” will be accompanied by a striking official music video co-directed by N’Faly Kouyaté, his manager Sandra Werner, and their team. The metaphorical visuals will depict Africa’s journey to freedom, celebrating cultural diversity and the inner strength of its people. Filmed in South Africa, the choice of Nelson Mandela’s homeland as the filming location underscores continental solidarity in the pursuit of autonomy. In tandem, the artist sheds light on similar phenomena in daily life, such as workplace abuse of power, domestic violence, and many others.
Speaking about the new single N’Faly Kouyaté says: “I am raising a cry with ‘Premiers Pas’ to demand total autonomy for Africa. This song is the expression of the determination of an entire continent to finally take control of its destiny.”
More than a song, “Premiers Pas” is the resounding cry of a continent seeking to reclaim its voice and place on the global stage, sung by one of its most passionate musical advocates.
Originally hailing from Guinea, N’Faly Kouyate is a world-renowned Griot master musician and multi-instrumentalist. Moving to Belgium in 1994, he formed the ensemble Dunyakan (The Voice of the World), before joining Afro Celt Sound System in 1996. Frequently performing at WOMAD, the latter have released many albums through Real World Records and performed with stars including Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, and Sinéad O’Connor. Owning an innovative sound that blends electronica with music from Ireland and West African countries, Kouyate prominently provides vocals, kora and balafon for the group.
Famed for his irrepressible energy and virtuoso performances on stage, N’Faly Kouyaté’s latest solo project will promise a spellbinding mixture of polyphony and electronic music in symbiosis with traditional instruments, called Afrotronix.
On his upcoming ‘Ré-Génération Tour’, N’Faly will be joined each night by his extraordinary ensemble, promising a unique opportunity for British audiences to experience this visionary artist like never before. He comes to Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon on 11th Feb, Tickets here.
Trending…..
All Cat’s Eyes for Nothing Rhymes With Orange’s New Single
Firstly, to clear up any confusion, as I know I was, a little, and I also accept it doesn’t take much these days, Devizes’ finest…
Devizes International Street Festival is Cancelled
I’ll never forget local photographer Gail Foster some years ago, pulling down her camera from a shot, turning to me with an expression of joy,…
Frome Festival Presents a Bumper Programme for All
From the 5th to the 14th July 2024, Frome Festival plans to up the game of this wonderful and lively town with a bumper programme…
Tonka Bean, Devizes Only Caribbean Cafe & Bar to Close
Abrilli, sole Director and owner of Tonka Bean Cafe Bar in Devizes announced today, due to “significant changes in personal and financial circumstances due to…
Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 15th-21st May 2024
Here’s what we’ve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week… Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for…
Poppy Rose, Ready Now….
Not being able to hold a note myself, I tip my hat to any musician in a band. Yet there’s something so much more valiant,…
Help DOCA Win Funding for the Confetti Battle
From carnival to the Winter Festival, DOCA stages so many great events in Devizes, most of them for free, but the most unique is the…
White Horse Opera Mathieson Trust Fundraiser with Anup Biswas
White Horse Opera members, Soprano Barbara Gompels, Mezzo Soprano Paula Boyagis, Tenor Carlos Alonso together with pianist Tony James join forces with international cellist Anup…
“The Thrill of Love” at The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, May 13th-18th 2024
By Ian DiddamsImages by Chris Watkins Ruth Ellis was hanged aged 28 years old, by Albert Pierrepoint the official executioner in the UK, at Holloway…
Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 8th-14th May 2024
It’s beginning to look a lot more like spring now; you are officially cleared to go outside! Here’s what we’ve found to do outside, in…
One thought on “N’Faly Kouyaté (Afro-Celt Sound System) Tour Includes Wiltshire Music Centre”