***VENUE UPDATE*** Due to the new Covid-19 restrictions, this event will now take place at Costa del Tottenham's Theatre. All ticket holders will receive more information via email.
WAAJU
Fusing dexterous hand-percussion, hypnotic guitar riffs and soaring melodies, Waaju connect a wide range of traditional musics percolating at different corners of the global soundscape yet with a distinctly of-the-moment and British jazz flavour. Led by drummer and percussionist Ben Brown (Alfa Mist, Dizraeli, Ashley Henry), and comprising members across the UK’s extensive music scene including, percussionist Ernesto Marichales (Jordan Rakei, Sigala), guitarist Tal Janes (Nubiyan Twist, Bahla), Sam Rapley (Fabled, Maria Chiara Argiro) and Joe Downard (China Moses, Judi Jackson), Waaju’s unique and divergent sound connects the dots between the likes of Beth Carvalho, Oscar D’Leon, Alain Peters and Los Muñequitos de Matanzas. Waaju formed as a means of exploring music’s hidden connections, from trance-inducing Moroccan gnawa to Caribbean carnival music, and embracing them to reflect the different layers of London’s own musical culture. It was the band’s love for Mali’s folk music – and Ali Farka Touré’s stylistic prowess in particular – that first set the project in motion. London’s Jazz Cafe invited Waaju to reinterpret classic tracks from Farka Touré’s catalogue to sold-out audiences in 2018 and 2019. According to Brown: “Ali’s one of the best. He has such a unique sound. His playing is so gnarly. His spirit and attitude are things I always think of when making music.”
Waaju (meaning ‘to urge, inspire or influence to take action’ in Bambara) blend Latin polyrhythms, psychedelic Malian blues licks and dancefloor-oriented UK jazz arrangements. Following the group’s 2018 self-titled debut LP, Grown represents Waaju at their most distinctive and refined. The record begins with Moleman, a reminder of the craft and intricacy of composition Waaju has become known for. Gritty, clattering metal defines its sonic makeup, whilst gently hinting at influences such as dancehall and jungle. Listening Glasses follows and it’s clear why this is the album’s lead single – its Afrobeat-like energy and joyful interplay between guitar and tenor sax lies somewhere between Tony Allen’s grooves, chimurenga guitar and Headhunters’ funk. Joe Downard’s skulking bass frequencies take centre stage as heavy dub grooves almost tear themselves apart on late night jam Rollando. Time’s Got a Hold was co-written by Waaju and Jordan Rakei for a live show together in November 2018. Kicking off side B, this version features guest vocalist Will Heard and some rhythmical triplets, evocative of 1970’s sega from La Reunion. Pulling back the tempo and dimming the lights, cavernous percussion fills each corner of the room on the sparse yet purposeful Wassoulou, whilst the title and final track shows off the many dynamic sides of the outfit’s far-reaching sound, with its expansive harmonies and explosive climax spanning influences as wide as Yoruba Andabo to Hendrix, signing off an exciting and energetic second LP from Waaju, at their most commanding.
SHUNAJI
Shunaji is an avant-garde producer, rapper and singer hailing from Rome and currently based in London. She adopts experimental approaches to blend old school, alternative hip-hop with gloaming trip-hop formulas and a touch of spiritual, synth-led ambience. Shunaji’s releases have been acclaimed within independent music scenes in the UK and abroad, while she appeals to a growing audience and aims to push the boundaries of mainstream music.
Shunaji has been supported by the MOBO Help Musicians Fund and PRS Foundation's Women Make Music, in recognition of her innovative musical style and thought-provoking lyricism. Recently, Shunaji was selected for Sound and Music's 'Interpreting Isolation' project hosted on the British Music Collection.
About this Event
This event will be operating with reduced capacity, and a host of measures to ensure that social distancing is observed and government guidelines are followed. For our full COVID-19 safety precautions, please click here.
Since our first season in 2013, our event at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden has always inspired audiences in a unique and thrilling way. This season of events captures the essence of a weekend rural festival in the centre of Dalston on a Tuesday evening.
The phenomenal surrounds of the garden combine with delicious pizzas from David Latto, and a supreme and ever-evolving roster of acts, to create a magical atmosphere which brings people together in a friendly and welcoming space.
It's a community of music-lovers joined to celebrate the warm months in a carefree and supportive atmosphere, with a compelling live soundtrack.
TICKETS
Limited seats are available in the auditorium, with a separation of at least 1m between each chair.
Tables can also be booked as a single block for groups which are cohabiting or in a 'bubble' together.
COVID-19
A full document regarding Covid-19 safety measures can be found here.
PLEASE NOTE that this is an outdoor concert which will go ahead regardless of the weather. Please bring appropriate clothing, including waterproofs if rain is forecast.