Our legendary weekly festival, every Tuesday from June to September, with spoken word dynamo K.O.G, afro-folk from Bamako Overground, and electronic songstress Eckoes.
K.O.G.
Born in Ghana, resident in Sheffield, K.O.G. (Kweku of Ghana) is a prolific writer and virtuosic performer, comfortable across a wide range of styles from house and afrobeats to afro funk, dancehall and jungle, electrifying live audiences with his wildly energetic stage presence and smashing every studio session out of the park on his recorded output. Though known for his incredible vocal performances, K.O.G is also a talented arranger and percussionist, from balafon and djembe to his trademark dinner tray!
As well as being the front man for much-loved 8 piece afro-funk outfit K.O.G and the Zongo Brigade, he is the front man for the new Onipa project (with Nubiyan Twist MD Tom Excell) and is working on collaborations with Afriquoi, Congo Natty, Umoja, iZem, Jus Now and The Busy Twist.
On the night, Kweku will be joined by Tom Excell himself for a very special duo performance.
BAMAKO OVERGROUND
Born in the inspired mind of London’s own Malian rhythm buff Hans Sutton, Bamako Overground have been busy forging a new sound. The trio are irresistibly seduced by the music of West Africa, blending its influences overtly and covertly with their own carefully-selected flavours to settle into mystical dance grooves and desert blues.
Hans plays his distinctive hybrid drum kit which has previously brought Mandé styles to artists such as Nick Mulvey and Cocos Lovers, while at his flanks are the sparkling guitar of Yaaba Funk co-founder Tobias Sturmer and the hypnotic, heavy bass of folk maestro and Woodburner impresario Theo Bard.
Deep and soulful rhythms meet soaring melodies, while smooth three-part vocal harmonies spin allegories in Bamanakan and English to complete a brew that’s compelling and utterly unique.
ECKOES
British musician ECKOES merges cutting-edge textures, intimate sensual sounds, and soulful hooks into her sublime and unmistakeable sonic world. With a voice that will “make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up” (BBC Radio) she’s one of the most intriguing and emotive new outpourings to emerge from the London circuit.
As a writer and singer ECKOES constantly tests the water, fusing styles she likes with effortless grace. By turns dark alternative R&B, swelling soul, urban electronica, and ambient, ECKOES’ project finds itself in a category of it’s own. Like many musical auteurs, ECKOES isn’t beholden to reliving the past by simply repackaging it. Atop her distinctive sound are her vocals, unique, inimitable. Inside those vocals she pours feelings that penetrate and
spellbind listeners with their naked authenticity. Naturally, tastemakers’ praise has come in thick & fast from BBC 6 Music, Clash Magazine, Q, Wonderland, BBC Introducing, Indie Shuffle, Afropunk, and the MOBO Awards amongst others.
A prolific songwriter outside of her solo project, she has penned songs for many other artists, hitting #13 in the UK Club Charts last summer with a track she co wrote & featured on with house producer Le Visiteur. At the helm of her project she stands, a six foot statuesque weaver of hypnotic sounds, an artist with an aura that’s all her own.
‘A gifted new artist’ Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music
ABOUT THIS EVENT
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, all 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, summer-lovers and life-lovers, brought together to celebrate the warm months in a carefree and supportive atmosphere, with a compelling live soundtrack.
