May 25th is internationally known as Africa Day. The day commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (now known as the African Union) which was founded on 25th May 1963.
Africa Day aims to celebrate being African and promoting unity amongst Africans. The day is celebrated world wide with different concerts held in different cities all in the name of celebrating our culture, heritage, history and diversity as Africans.
The South African edition of Africa Day Celebrations will be held at Bassline in Johannesburg on 24th May with a star studded lineup of African artists.
More details in the press release below:
The annual and much anticipated Bassline Africa Day Concert will take place this year on Saturday May 24th at The Bassline, Newtown.
Bassline Africa Day Concert traditionally features top South African acts performing alongside some of the continent's hottest new talent.
Whilst the Bassline Africa Day Concert celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, The Bassline itself is celebrating its 20th anniversary, making it one of the longest running live music venues in South Africa. The Bassline Africa Day Concert is always a highlight of the year, and 2014 will be no exception.
The venue has recently "refreshed" its sound equipment and decor, and will be re-launching this in combination with the Bassline Africa Day Concert this year.
With support once again from IFAS (French Institute of South Africa), this year’s Bassline Africa Day Concert line-up is a reflection of the diverse and contemporary sounds currently rocking the continent. From the African folk of Vusi Mahlasela and the Ethiopian Jazz of Akale Wube, to the cutting-edge hip-hop of Tumi, Reason and French based rapper Smarty, this year’s concert showcases the heartbeats of Africa.
Vusi Mahlasela (Folk, South Africa)
“The Voice” of South Africa needs no introduction, this multiple award-winning artist continues to wow audiences at home and across the globe.
Smarty (Hip Hop, Burkina Faso)
A virtuoso in the manipulation of words and sentences, Smarty combines modern rhythms with traditional instruments and brings a fresh look to everyday life.
Akalé Wubé (Jazz, France)
Akale Wube is a Parisian band devoted to the grooves of 60s and 70s Ethiopian music. Since 2009 they have re-invigorated the musical goldmine of Swingin' Addis.
Tumi (Hip Hop, South Africa)
Always a Bassline favourite, Tumi brings his versatile and innovative jazz rap to The Bassline stage once more.
Reason (Hip Hop, South Africa)
One of hip-hop’s hottest stars at the moment – Reason is both popularly and critically acclaimed – a rare feat and well deserved by this cutting edge artist.
Admiral & Jah Seed (Ragga, South Africa)
Individually well known and loved, Admiral & Jah Seed have been performing together since 1997- their dancehall and ragga sounds are a Bassline staple.
8 Bars Short (Afro Folk, South Africa)
These new faces on the scene create music from the heart for the heart infused with indigenous folk - a visibly courageous attempt to find steady ground within the indigenous folk genre.
Riky Rick (Rap, South Africa)
Riky’s introduction to the music industry began in a recording studio session with Bongani Fassie. He has since become a sought after music producer for artist ranging from MXO to L-Tido as well as writing & performing his own brand of music.
Yugen Blakrok (Rap, South Africa)
One of the newest faces on the scene, up and coming and cutting edge rapper Yugen Blakrok’s debut album “Return of the Astro-Goth” is making waves all over SA and beyond.
Tickets for this event can be purchased from Computicket from Friday May 2nd for R150.00 and at the door for R170.00
Doors open at 9pm
The Bassline
For more information visit www.bassline.co.za or www.facebook.com/basslinejozi or follow us on twitter @BasslineJozi