Issue 13  |  March 2010

Mama Africa, 30th Oct at Tabernacle

On Friday 30th October, London’s Notting Hill was treated to Mama Africa, a world music showcase, courtesy of WOM@TT – World Of Music At The Tabernacle. The evening showcased eight female singers performing a breathtaking set lasting over four hours; providing high quality music and a perfect upbeat atmosphere.

The show was opened by stage virgin Nadine Shaw, who sang and played acoustic guitar, showcasing well her sweet but powerful voice and lyrics. Next up was Francine Luce of Martinique, accompanied by Nikki Yeoh on keyboard, mixing a homegrown creole style with classic jazz-style vocals. She was followed in turn by Brown Sugar, winner of Groovy Soca Monarch 2009, who brought an upbeat Trinidadian flavour to the evening with a Soca set.

After a DJ break hosted by DJ Debbie and Africathy, Doreen Thobekile, former lead singer from Trans Global Underground, lifted the energy levels higher with her unique Zulu/London sound, backed by her band and her backing vocalist (who also doubles as her daughter).

If Doreen appeared to be a hard act to follow, we needn’t have worried: the high standards that had already been set for the evening were maintained by every act that was to follow. Akima Paul, former winner of the National Calypso Monarch of Grenada, took the mic next, backed by Brown Sugar. Her songs included hard messages, particularly one entitled The Audacity Of Despair, which raised the idea that “Britain Will Never Have An Obama”.

Now the music reached a new high as Helen McDonald took the stage with her five-piece band, blasting out a classic jazz/blues style, with songs such as Big City Blues lifting the audience to their feet.

Helen made way as DRC native Mimitah took the mic, singing a PA including a rendition of Swahili classic Malaika, her tribute to Mama Africa herself, Miriam Makeba. A new edge of excitement was added as Toli Nameless from New York danced her way from the back of the audience to the stage, holding her trombone, before singing and dancing her way around (and off) the stage.

Finally, Helen returned for a final set, accompanied by Toli on trombone. For the finale, all of the acts joined in singing or dancing the final minutes to midnight, when the music had to cease.

Mama Africa proved to be a perfect evening for lovers of African and diaspora music.