Award-winning actor/director Charles S. Dutton featured here was honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at the festival’s annual Night of Tribute awards ceremony.
Author: bunaama
22ND PANAFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL, LOS ANGELES (CA), FEBRUARY 6TH-17TH 2014
The introductory movie to the Festival was the controversial South African “Of Good Report” directed by South African Jahmil X.T. Qubeka and featured upcoming actress Petronella Tshuma (See picture above). The movie is controversial worldwide due to the nature of its script where a high-school teacher is having a sexual affair with one of his minor female students. The movie is well-done and its scenes are modern and captivating, flirting with the Noire genre reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock’s. It changes from the common subject matter most African movies deal with, generally revolving around European occupation and its ramifications. However, audience members may feel that this movie glorifies pedophilia and crime against women due to its gruesome and tragic ending as well as strong sexual content featuring a minor and an adult.
22ND PANAFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL, LOS ANGELES (CA), FEBRUARY 6TH-17TH 2014
The 22nd Panafrican Film Festival took place in Baldwin-Hills Crenshaw Plaza (Los Angeles) during Black History Month and featured a plethora of movies and documentaries from Africa and its Diaspora. The featured movies and documentaries touched most issues concerning the Black Experience ranging from Black History awareness, pre and post slavery political issues, Music, cultural similarities and exchanges between Africa and its Diaspora as well as modern issues related to crime, poverty and lifestyles such as Homosexuality. Movies and documentaries were played from morning until late evening. There were post discussions after every screening where movie-goers could interact with the film directors and actors. There were also after-parties featuring diverse music and Soul Food where movie-goers could interact and mingle with the stars. The Festival was a success and is much needed to educate old and new generations of people.
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TASTE OF SOUL, LOS ANGELES (CA) – OCTOBER 19TH, 2013
The Taste of Soul was definitely a success and had the longest succession of vendors (food, art, clothing etc…) and music stages I’ve encountered in Los Angeles so far. The festival as the name speaks for itself focuses on Soul food from the states and the Diaspora but also features R&B, Jazz and Hip Hop. I mainly spent time at the KJLH radio station’s stage which is owned by Stevie Wonder. Ran into Ne-Yo backstage who did not perform but was mainly taking pictures with fans. R&B singers Kenny Lattimore and Johnny Gill did a great job mcing the show and also performed, clearly demonstrating why they’re considered legendary R&B singers. Glenn Lewis rocked the crowd with some of his 90s hits. Mindless Behavior, the new hot teenage band rocked the teenage crowd which went crazy during their dance and singing performance. Marques Houston also performed new and classic material as well classic Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson hits to the delight of the younger and older crowd. Stevie Wonder came onstage with Johnny Gill at the end of Marques Houston’s performance to close out the show, unbelievable trio of legends performing at the same time.
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WATTS TOWERS DAY OF THE DRUM & JAZZ FESTIVAL, WATTS (CA) – SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2013
The Watts Towers 32nd Day of the Drum & Jazz Festival was very well-organized, peaceful and family-friendly with many Afrocentric vendors (Art, clothing, beauty products etc…), though the Food vendors selection could be improved upon to include healthier organic food. There were tours of the Watts iconic monument to inform the attendees about its history and the Italian immigrant who built it with his own hands Sam “Simon” Rodia. The highlight of the festival was Patrice Rushen’s Jazz ensemble’s (JMP All-Stars) performance but there were also various traditional music groups from Africa, the Diaspora (Caribbean, South America) and Asia in attendance (Clockwise in picture): The Wadada Cultural Soul World Beat delivered a great fusion of Reggae, Raggamuffin’ and hip hop despite some technical difficulties, Patrice Rushen and her all-star Jazz team (JMP All-Stars) were definitely the highlight of the festival and featured actor/singer TC Carson from ‘Living Single”, Kishin Daiko (Japanese Drum Ensemble) had a massive drum performance and educated the crowd about Japanese percussion styles which are similar to West African, Kevin Ricard & Creole Journey from Santiago Cuba to New Orleans delighted the crowd with Afro-Cuban jazz and classic Afro-Cuban songs and showed the similarities and cultural exchange of music from Cuba and New-Orleans before of the Caribbean influx of immigrants in New-Orleans, the Clayton Cameron Old School Swing delivered a great Jazz/Funk/R&B drum session, Wolof Times Reporter Sunny Moore poses here with some of the Festival organizers including John Outteridge (First Director of the Watts Towers Art Center, 2nd from right) in the Arts Center which provides great African Arts exhibitions to its visitors. There was also excellent “conscious” comedy from the Mooney twins who gave a touching yet funny tribute to John Outerridge and touched upon with humor various socio-political issues. The Watts Towers Festival was a definite success!
You can check their homepage for the complete line-up and schedule of events: http://wattstowers.org/Calendar_of_Events.php
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PATRICE RUSHEN & JMP ALL-STARS – WATTS TOWERS DAY OF THE DRUM & JAZZ FESTIVAL, WATTS (CA) – SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2013
Patrice Rushen and her All-Star team of Jazz musicians, the JMP All Stars which include World-renowned musicians Ndugu Chancler (Drums), Dr. Bobby Rodriguez (Trumpet), Justo Almario (Saxophone), Nedra Wheeler (Bass) and Munyungo D. Jackson (Percussions) were definitely the highlight of this festival and delivered mesmerizing flawless Jazz music much to the delight of the crowd. Their music featured singing by TC Carson mostly known as Kyle Barker in the African-American comedy show “Living Single” who delivered well-thought out poetic lyrics with his trademark baritone voice. Great mesmerizing performance by legendary acts!
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FUTA TORO – WATTS TOWERS DAY OF THE DRUM & JAZZ FESTIVAL, WATTS (CA) – SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2013
Malik Sow’s Futa Toro Drum ensemble led by his son Magatte Fall delivered great folkloric music specific to the western countries of Africa which include Senegal , Guinea and Mali . The Malinke Djembe rhythms accompanied with the Kora of Amadou Fall represented the rich music tradition of these regions well. The Guinea-style dancers were on point with their choreography and added more originality to the show. The lead drummer Magatte is an exceptionally gifted soloist. Great performance!
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RON POWELL’S LA SAMBA – WATTS TOWERS DAY OF THE DRUM & JAZZ FESTIVAL, WATTS (CA) – OCTOBER 27TH, 2013
Ron Powell along with his band delivered a very impressive Carnival-like performance. His Brazilian style drumming with the sticks punctuated with Afro-cuban drumming on the Congas and acrobatic and dance moves were truly mesmerizing. The Samba dancers were also excellent and further brought the vibes of the Rio Carnival. Great great performance!
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MYKAL ROSE, SLY & ROBBIE, U-ROY – THE BEACH BALL FESTIVAL, SANTA MONICA (CA) – SEPTEMBER 22ND, 2013
Mykal Rose (Ex Black Uhuru) and Sly & Robbie performed together and demonstrated why they’re legendary Reggae icons by delivering pure Reggae music! Mykal Rose rocked the crowd with his unique African traditional style of singing while Sly on the drums and Robbie on the Bass guitar showed why they’re part of Reggae’s foundation, they played classic Black Uhuru tunes such as “Guess who’s coming to dinner”. The crowd was very receptive and delighted. U-Roy also showed in his earlier performance why he’s considered the Godfather of Dancehall and also sang his classic dancehall tunes which are a combination of his Raggamuffin’ accompanied by singing by another performer. The organizers could have had a larger selection of food vendors and better crowd accomodation but the line-up was powerful and the Santa Monica Beach location scenic and beautiful.
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JIMMY CLIFF – TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES, SANTA MONICA (CA) – SEPTEMBER 12TH
Jimmy Cliff’s performance coincided with the 40th anniversary a few days before of the release of the classic Jamaican Gangsta movie “The Harder They Come” in which he starred back in 1973. He started the show off with soulful Nyabinghi drumming and chanting much to the delight of the crowd. He also sang old classic 70s Anti-War material as well as new to reaffirm that old issues such as the Vietnam War are still relevant and being reapplied in new contexts such as Syria. Great energy and crowd interactions!
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MONTEREY BAY REGGAE FESTIVAL – AUGUST 8TH-10TH, 2013 – MONTEREY, CA
The Monterey Bay Reggae Festival featured a nice selection of international artists from Jamaica, Hawaii, Haiti etc… Beenie Man, Wayne Wonder and Barrington Levy were definitely the highlights of the event and rocked the connoisseur crowd with new and classic hits. The group Fiji from Hawaii also delivered nice Reggae and R&B music to the delight of the crowd which featured many of their compatriots. There was also great drumming and dance performance from the Haitian Rascin Band which demonstrated the deep African roots embedded in Haitian culture and Folklore. The festival was rather small but had a nice selection of Food vendors that delivered Soul Food, Jamaican and Greek food amongst others. The camping site still had a lot of space left and Parking was definitely not an issue.
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REGGAE ON THE RIVER – AUGUST 1ST-4TH, 2013 – GARBERVILLE, CA
This Reggae Festival featured various artists mostly from Jamaica but also from across the globe (Julian Marley, Morgan Heritage, Tarrus Riley, Junior Kelly, Les Nubians, The Meditations, Nkulee Dube, Daara J etc…). The festival was very well-organized and definitely worth the 12-hour drive from Los Angeles just for the scenic location of the camping site by the river as well as the healthy organic food provided by the organizers and vendors and the performances of course. The organizers went as far as using water trucks which doused the spectators with cool water due to the intense summer heat. Julian Marley was definitely the highlight of the Festival being a member of Reggae’s Royal Family and delivered great music and singing; while Anthony B had the most electrifying performance with his high energy, interactions with the crowd and stage presence with the multitude of Nyabinghi Flag bearers waving the Ghanaian and Jamaican Flags on stage. Newcomers like Nkulee Dube (Lucky Dube’s daughter) very pleasantly surprised the crowd with her vocal delivery and dancing and proudly represented her South African father Lucky (RIP) and Africa as a whole. Les Nubians delivered sultry performances like the grammy nominees that they are and were a delight to interact with backstage. Tarrus Riley had a grandiose performance and showed his wide array of Reggae and Dancehall influences. New artist Natural Black is definitely an artist we should be paying attention to, somewhat reminiscent of Sizzla and Bounty Killer. Morgan Heritage definitely rocked the crowd and had an appearance by Senegal’s renowned Aladji Man from Daara J. The Festival seemed like an extended vacation because of the variety of attractions from the beautiful Clearwater river to the vendors (Food, Art, Clothing…) and the Sound Systems. Major issues were however linked to the lack of cellular network coverage in this rural area, which is in our times highly inconvenient.
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REGGAE PON THE MOUNTAIN – JULY 27TH, 2013 – TOPANGA, CA
Reggae Pon the Mountain happened in a smaller “chill” setting up in the Topanga Mountains and featured a nice selection of local and international artists as well as vendors (Food, Art, Clothing). The Festival featured the legendary Pato Banton who interacted with the crowd very nicely and delivered sultry Gospel-influenced vocals. “Da Lion” performed without their front drummer/leader Leon Mobley but rocked the crowd as their lead Singer Shakespeare delivered Lovers Rock and conscious lyrics with great energy while former members of the Heptones delivered solid background vocals. Mexico 68’s Afrobeat music was refreshing and provided some musical diversity to the Festival. Anthony B electrified the crowd with his energy, prompting Security to clear the hyped-up crowd near the smaller stage.
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3RD ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF MASKS, DAY OF THE ANCESTORS 2013 – LEIMERT PARK, LOS ANGELES (CA) – JUNE 30TH, 2013
There were various African Fashion, Dance and Drumming performances from the Diaspora and Africa including the Nigerian group Adunni & Nefertiti (See Bottom-Center picture) which gave a long-awaited and grandiose performance featuring Acapella and hand-percussion. The crowd was elated and clapped and danced during every single performance.
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3RD ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF MASKS, DAY OF THE ANCESTORS 2013 – LEIMERT PARK, LOS ANGELES (CA) – JUNE 30TH, 2013
Kids and adults can be seen in the larger picture during the procession, for which they designed their own masks and costumes during the Mask-making workshop. The procession was preceded by local professional and amateur drummers (See Top-Right picture). The Drum circle which happens every Sunday afternoon took place as usual (See Bottom-Left picture). The Nigerian group Adunju & Nefertiti which specializes in singing Acapella and hand-percussion also performed (See Bottom-center picture) to the delight of the crowd which long-awaited their performance.
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3RD ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF MASKS, DAY OF THE ANCESTORS 2013 – LEIMERT PARK, LOS ANGELES (CA) – JUNE 30TH, 2013
The 3rd Annual Festival of Masks, in the vicinity of the historical and iconic Leimert Park, featured various local Artists including drummers, singers and dancers from the Diaspora and Africa. It commemorates the memory of African ancestors and was dedicated this year to the memory of Emmett Till (1941-1955). There were Mask-making workshops where both kids and adults were able to design their own masks and costumes to wear during the procession. Food and Art vendors were also present as well as Media including Wolof Times Reporters Sunny Moore and other KPFK radio personalities (See Top-Right picture). This Afrocentric Festival was a success and members of the local community seemed to rejoice during this event which they take to heart.
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STEPHEN AND DAMIAN MARLEY – SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, MENDOCINO CTY (CA) – JUNE 22ND-24TH, 2013
Grammy winners Stephen and Damian Marley’s performance together was the highlight of this festival with their array of classic Reggae and Dancehall hits. There is so much chemistry between them.
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MARLEY BROTHERS (STEPHEN, JULIAN, DAMIAN) – SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, MENDOCINO CTY (CA) – JUNE 22ND-24TH, 2013
Stephen performing with Julian and Damian Marley much to the delight of the crowd.
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MARLEY FAMILY – SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, MENDOCINO CTY (CA) – JUNE 22ND-24TH, 2013
Jo Mersa Marley (Son of Stephen) performing with the Mic in hand. Stephen Marley called all of the Late great Bob Marley sons and grandsons up to the stage during his performance of the Bob Classic “Could you be loved”.
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STEPHEN MARLEY – SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, MENDOCINO CTY (CA) – JUNE 22ND-24TH, 2013
Grammy winner Stephen Marley demonstrated with his poise, musical experience, contagious smile and happiness why he’s with Ziggy the most experienced Singer/Musician of the Marley Family. His son Jo Mersa also performed during his event while his littlest son stood by his side waving the Jamaican Flag during his performance. He did songs with Damian and Julian also much to the delight of the crowd and also welcomed the grandsons and granddaughters of the Late great Bob Marley onto the stage to dance and express Love & Happiness.
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DAMIAN MARLEY – SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, MENDOCINO CTY (CA) – JUNE 22ND-24TH, 2013
Grammy winner Damian Marley probably had the best performance altogether for this festival. The Grammy winner performed many songs from the “Distant Relatives” collabo with Nas. The crowd was estatic as he also let Stephen, Julian and other members of the Ghetto Youths Crew make appearances. Damian’s performance was most definitely the highlight of this Festival.
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ALPHA BLONDY – SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, MENDOCINO CTY (CA) – JUNE 22ND-24TH, 2013
Alpha Blondy who is probably the closest African Reggae equivalent to Bob Marley demonstrated clearly why he was chosen to close out the Festival. He sang most of his classics from the 80s including Brigadier Sabari and Cocody Rock much to the great appreciation of the crowd that got very loud and sang along. The Ivory Coast Flag was waving high in the air during his performance and he represented The Motherland proudly and spoke his mind regarding African politics and the ongoing Middle-East crisis.
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JULIAN MARLEY – SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, MENDOCINO CTY (CA) – JUNE 22ND-24TH, 2013
Julian Marley sang his classic hits including “Systems” to the delight of the crowd with his style which is closer to his father’s Bob as he’s a true complete Reggae Singer/Guitarist. Julian is strictly Reggae as opposed to his brothers Stephen and Damian who also perform Dancehall songs. He sang with a lot of energy and conviction and also emulated his father’s dance with the trademark denim jeans and jacket. Great stage presence!
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CHRISTOPHER ELLIS, WAYNE MARSHALL – SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, MENDOCINO CTY (CA) – JUNE 22ND-24TH, 2013
Christopher Ellis and Wayne Marshall of the Marley Ghetto Youths Crew demonstrated clearly with their high vocal skills, energy and interactions with the crowd why they were signed by Reggae’s First Family. Each member of the Ghetto Youths Crew including Jo Mersa (son of Stephen) and Julian performed at least one or two songs to open for Damian and Stephen Marley and showcase their talents.
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MARCIA GRIFFITHS – SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, MENDOCINO CTY (CA) – JUNE 22ND-24TH, 2013
Marcia Griffiths had a great LIVE performance, a true Reggae diva! She showed through her vocal and dance skills why she was chosen as the Late great Bob Marley’s back-up singer and member of the I-Threes along with the legendary Rita Marley and Judy Mowatt. Her talent is timeless as she danced and performed Reggae classics such as Dawn Penn’s “No, no, no” and even delved into the Dancehall music genre. She’s a true entertainer by the way she interacted with and moved the crowd through her excitement, voice and dance. Great performance!
DON CARLOS – SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, MENDOCINO CTY (CA) – JUNE 22ND-24TH, 2013
Don Carlos showed why he’s a living legend as ex-member of Black Uhuru with his powerful vocal delivery. He sang many classic Reggae songs to the delight of the crowd.
RAS MICHAEL – SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, MENDOCINO CTY (CA) – JUNE 22ND-24TH, 2013
Ras Michael showed why he’s a living legend and one of Reggae’s most respected elders by playing some Soul-soothing traditional Nyabinghi rhythms. His band put emphasis on the drumming and singing much to the delight of the crowd which absolutely loved the performance.
SISTER CAROL – SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, MENDOCINO CTY (CA) – JUNE 22ND-24TH, 2013
Grammy-nominated Sister Carol showed the Festival crowd why she is one of Dancehall Reggae female pioneers. She did a great job singjaying with her beautiful voice and MC skills. She rocked the crowd and represented well all females in Dancehall as well as Reggae.
FATOUMATA DIAWARA – SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, MENDOCINO CTY (CA) – JUNE 22ND-24TH, 2013
Fatoumata Diawara represented the Motherland proudly and had a memorable performance. Probably the most touching performance of this Festival with her Sultress yet soft-spoken voice. She played the guitar similarly to Vieux Farka Toure and showed her Malian Blues Singer roots. Her voice, guitar-playing and Wassoulou lyrics are very captivating and enchanting, and did a great job of conveying emotion to the mostly American crowd. She also addressed feminist issues in English with her beautiful accent. Fatoumata Diawara danced towards the end of her performance while the drummer played djembe-like rhythms on the drum set. Great great performance and addition to this World Music Festival!
DANAKIL & NATTY JEAN – SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, MENDOCINO (CA) – JUNE 22ND-24TH, 2013
This was French Reggae Band Danakil’s first performance in the US and their lead singer Balik was excited and let the crowd know about it. While Balik sang Reggae or “singjayed”, Natty Jean his Senegalese partner covered the “Raggamuffin'” parts of the songs in his native Wolof, providing a now traditional blend of Reggae and Dancehall. Balik performed an original remake of French singer Edith Piaf’s “Non, je ne regrette rien”, showing his versatility as an artist. The crowd was intrigued yet appreciated the performance.
LEROY SIBBLES – SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, MENDOCINO (CA) – JUNE 22ND-24TH, 2013
Leroy Sibbles ex-member of the Heptones showed why he’s a legend with his powerful and beautiful voice. He sang many Reggae classics like Satta Massagana of Third World and other 70s classics. He also performed some Ska and Rock Steady tracks educating some of the younger Audience members. Nice performance!
BOMBINO – SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, MENDOCINO (CA) – JUNE 22ND-24TH, 2013
Bombino and his crew rocked the crowd despite playing a music genre other than Reggae. They dressed in Tuareg garments and played the guitars similarly to Malian Blues guitarists. The crowd, filled with music connoisseurs who appreciate World Music, cheered and applauded as the group from Niger performed. The organizers of the Sierra Nevada World Music Festivals did a good job selecting crucial music from various parts of the World to diversify the festival.
DAMIAN MARLEY, LUCIANO, JULIAN MARLEY, JO MERSA MARLEY, ALPHA BLONDY – SIERRA NEVADA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, MENDOCINO CTY (CA) – JUNE 22ND-24TH, 2013
The 20th anniversary of this three-day World Music Festival was safe and very well-organized despite overcrowding. Wolof Times reporters Bunaama Diagne (See pictures with Julian Marley, Jo Mersa Marley and Alpha Blondy) and Sunny Moore (See pictures with Damian Marley and Luciano) made sure they attended and camped on the site for three days. The Marleys (See pictures above for Damian, Julian and Jo Mersa) and entire “Ghetto Youths Crew” were the main acts but the Festival also featured Alpha Blondy (See picture), Luciano (See picture), Don Carlos, Marcia Griffiths, Ras Michael, Leroy Sibbles, Gappy Ranks and Fatoumata Diawara to name a few. Emphasis was made on diversity with the variety of performers’ nationalities. The scenery was beautiful amidst the mountains of Mendocino County.
ANGELIQUE KIDJO/HUGH MASEKELA – PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL HOLLYWOOD BOWL – JUNE 16TH, 2013
Angelique Kidjo (Left on Bottom right picture) was in Hollywood, CA representing Benin as usual and blessed the crowd with her singing and dancing. Hugh Masekela the Jazz trumpetist (Right on Bottom right picture) was also part of the festival, representing his native South Africa . Both artists took part of the same interview, representing the continent proudly.
SHEILA E. – PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL HOLLYWOOD BOWL – JUNE 16TH, 2013
Sheila E. hasn’t lost a step at age “56”. The USC Marching band opened up her performance and she gave a real all-around drum clinic from the drum set to the congas. Great crowd participation, even security was dancing and both her parents as well as India Arie joined in with dancing and drumming. Sheila E. is the real deal, a real drum virtuoso/singer who rocked the crowd with her classic hits.
LUCIANO – DUB CLUB – JUNE 12TH, 2013
I was mesmerized by Luciano’s voice and live performance (Far-left column), here featured with Wolof Times reporter Bunaama Diagne. He touched every single audience member’s heart with his vocal delivery. This Reggae artist can SOUL SING and paid a great tribute to Dennis Brown and Nat King Cole.
ACTOR JEFFREY ANDERSON-GUNTER – TARGET SUNDAYS (JAZZ) – CAAM – JUNE 2ND, 2013
Wolof Times reporter Sunny Moore stepping off the stage in her Fulani hat, after helping Actor Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter draw audience winner tickets. Great live Jazz music which featured Jazz and Spoken word as well as various established and upcoming singers and musicians. The show was MCed by Actor Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter and Jazz Singer Freda Payne who did a great job entertaining the crowd during pauses and introducing Spoken Word artist Yazmin Monet Watkins and Jazz artists Dominique Toney, Ryan Cross, Kenneth Crouch etc…
PATRICE RUSHEN – PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL FREE COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES – JUNE 2ND, 2013
I was blown away by the music and singing of Patrice Rushen (Left-column, here featured with Wolof Times reporters Bunaama Diagne & Sunny Moore) who is now Director of the Grammys Awards show and sang classic hits such as “Forget me nots” and “You remind me”. I didn’t know she could play the keyboards in both R&B and Jazz music genres. Leon “Ndugu” Chancler her producer/drummer also rocked the crowd with live great energy and incredibly versatile drumming. Great Great show!
LEON “NDUGU” CHANCLER – PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL FREE COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES – JUNE 2ND, 2013
Leon “Ndugu” Chancler long-time music partner/producer of R&B singer Patrice Rushen showcasing his rhythmic versatility as a drummer and demonstrating why he was considered at one point one of the Top 25 drummers in the world.
PATRICE RUSHEN – PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL FREE COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES – JUNE 2ND, 2013
Lifetime music partners Patrice Rushen and Leon “Ndugu” Chancler drumming together at the very end of the show after a LIVE memorable performance in which Patrice Rushen surprised me with her other than singing, keyboardist and now DRUMMING talents…I didn’t know 🙂
BILAL – ROXY THEATRE – MAY 29TH, 2013
Bilal (Far-left column), here featured with Wolof Times reporters Bunaama Diagne and Sunny Moore, definitely rocked the crowd with his falsetto voice and unimprovised stage comedy act. The band was great and played Jazz fused with R&B and Hip Hop music which are Bilal’s music influences/genres. The show also featured Grammy winner Robert Glasper who showcased his talents as a pianist.
MR. VEGAS & BARRINGTON LEVY – UCLA JAZZ & REGGAE FEST – MAY 27TH, 2013
Both artists rocked the crowd individually and demonstrated why they’re Reggae icons. Mr.Vegas (Far-left column) was LIVE on stage and had the crowd hyped up while Barrington Levy (Second column from right) SANG many classics with his mesmerizing voice and delivery. They both performed at the same time in the end (Top picture, second column from right) and gave the crowd a memorable performance.
COMMON – UCLA JAZZ & REGGAE FEST – MAY 26TH, 2013
Common (Left, here featured with Press members including Wolof Times reporters Bunaama Diagne (Right-column, bottom picture) and Sunny Moore (Right-column, Right in center picture)) showed he’s a TRUE MC through his lyrics/freestyles and interactions with the crowd. He definitely puts Chicago/The Midwest on the Hip Hop map. Great live energy and hip hop education for the youth. His DJ paid tribute to many old school hip hop artists such as Slick Rick, Wu-Tang, Mobb Deep etc…
SHINE BLACKHAWK – DRAWING ON THE MOON, MALIBU – MAY 24TH-27TH, 2013
SHINE BLACKHAWK (Top Picture,Top Center), here featured with Wolof Times reporter Bunaama Diagne (Left) and other band members) rocked the stage late night with FIRE tribal music within a beautiful natural setting in the Malibu mountains with the Moon hovering over us. Her music is an original blend of Rock, Rhythm & Blues, Hip Hop as well as Native American and African influences. The Festival was cut short due to fire code violations but featured Yoga workshops, raw vegan cuisine, drumming, dancing, folk music, acrobats, club dancing etc…Wonderful camping first-time experience amidst the Malibu Mountains.
J ANTHONY BROWN’S COMEDY CLUB THE J SPOT – MAY 18TH, 2013
Audience members (Top picture) were very much involved in the comedy acts and asked to dance to celebrate their birthdays in the beginning of the show. The audience was also highly-entertained by both comedians and Live DJ who played a lot of old school Hip Hop and R&B as well as new hits in these music genres. Featured comedians were just HILARIOUS and experienced in their craft. Nice venue to CHILL and get some BIG LAUGHS as you can see with featured Wolof Times reporters Bunaama Diagne (Left bottom picture) and Sunny Moore (Right bottom picture) 🙂
NYC DJ BOBBITO GARCIA, DOIN’ IT IN THE PARK (BASKETBALL DOCUMENTARY SCREENING) – LAEMMLE MUSIC HALL – MAY 18TH, 2013
Great screening which Bobbito Garcia (Left, here featured with Sunny Moore (Right), Wolof Times reporter), one of the documentary producers and also one of my fav old school underground hip hop DJs, hosted. This documentary clearly showed the playground basketball culture of NYC and its worldwide influence. It also featured all of the NYC Playground greats and legends including Julius Erving. Bobbito can HOOP too 🙂
COMEDIAN SCREW (BET’S COMIC VIEW) – J ANTHONY BROWN’S COMEDY CLUB THE J SPOT – MAY 18TH, 2013
Comedian Screw (Right, BET’s Comic View) was hilarious and had very-well rehearsed material (Social, cultural) he delivered naturally and eloquently on stage. He had people literally rollin’ on the floor including here featured Wolof Times reporter Sunny Moore (Left).
DANNY GLOVER – THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED (KPFK EVENT) – LOS ANGELES DOWNTOWN INDEPENDENT THEATER – MAY 5TH, 2013
Great documentary viewing on the historical date of Cinco de Mayo. The documentary featured the life, political times and accomplishments of Controversial Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez. Very informative and unbiased showing. Danny Glover (Center) eloquently spoke about his relationship with the now deceased leader and world experiences as a political activist.
FELA! BROADWAY SHOW (MICHELLE WILLIAMS, ADESOLA OSAKALUMI) – AHMANSON THEATRE – MAY 4TH, 2013
This show is just a future classic, so much musical education due to the diversity of African music utilized from the Continent and the Diaspora. A beautiful musical and dance mix of African cultural elements WORLDWIDE. Both Adesola Osakalumi (Right Column, Right) and Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child, Right Column, Right), who play the main characters of Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Sandra Izsadore respectively, delivered beyond great performances as well as all other members of the troop from the dancers to the musicians to the singers. A TRUE LEGENDARY CLASSIC PERFORMANCE!
CICLAVIA – LOS ANGELES – APRIL 21ST, 2013
Great Bike ride open to everyone with streets closed to cars from Venice Beach to Downtown Los Angeles. Bike ride was very well-organized and safe and allowed bicyclists to find out that it is easy to ride from Venice to Downtown LA in an encouraging effort to promote less atmosphere pollution. Great food and DJs along the way and Native American Celebration, Food and Art in the Downtown Arts district. Great event!
WOLOF WEAR 