DATHLIAD CYMRU AFFRICA 2024 (Saturday): Ibibio Sound Machine, Asya Satti feat. Yaz Fentazi

Ibibio Sound Machine

Fronted by Nigerian vocalist Eno Williams, Ibibio Sound Machine is an 8 piece clash of African and electronic elements inspired in equal measure by the golden era of 70’s West-African funk, disco and modern post-punk & electro which creates their highly distinctive sound. With lyrics in both English and the Ibibio language from south-east Nigeria, Williams’ inspiration for her songwriting is based on stories from her Nigerian upbringing. They have graced stages across the globe, including Glastonbury, Womadelaide 2024 and Laters With Jools Holland.

The hope, joy, and sexiness of the bands music remains in their new album Pull The Rope, but, further honing the edge of their acclaimed 2022 album Electricity, the connection they aim to foster has shifted venues, from the sunny buoyancy of a sunlit festival to a sweat-soaked, all-night dance club. The sound is hope in darkness, bliss in spite of  bleakness. Once again, Ibibio Sound Machine are here to provide the soundtrack to the best night of your life, and the better world to come.

“Vibrant Afro funk hits the heights” The Guardian

Asya Satti feat. Yaz Fentazi

Swedish-Sudanese Asya Satti‘s tapestry of global sounds comes from spending years travelling between Sweden, Egypt and the UK, which added to her love of Sudanese roots music and a desire to unite Sudanese Sufi music with Western and Arabic sounds. Working with Yaz Fentazi helped her to unlock that sound, and he has become a regular collaborator. Her music has attracted airplay from Tom Robinson at BBC Introducing plus attention from Clash, Wonderland, Notion, FAULT Magazine, Women in Pop and XS Noize.

“a mesmerising fusion of modern alternative R&B, traditional Sudanese classical guitar, and energizing percussion.” – FAULT Magazine.

Algerian virtuoso oud player Yaz Fentazi composes a blend of traditional and modern music into a contemporary style of North African fusion. The Guardian has described Fentazi’s compositions as having “breadth and atmosphere, and his oud soloing, which recalls the drive and dynamism of world oud star Anouar Brahem, is often stunning”. He has performed and recorded with many artists including: The Master Drummers of Africa, Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), Natacha Atlas, Trance Global Underground, Marc Almond, Cheb Mami.

More to be announced…