The Apollo Theater, in partnership with
World Music Institute, presents
Africa Now! South Africa, the third installment of the their annual
Africa Now! Festival. In recognition of the country's dynamic and diverse culture and in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's inauguration, this season's festival will spotlight today's contemporary South African music scene and Harlem's enduring cultural and social relationship with the country. Featuring a suite of artistic programming and an array of unique artists,
Africa Now! South Africa will provide a holistic experience for audiences with presentations on the Apollo's mainstage and soundstage.
The festival is anchored by a blowout concert featuring a new generation of South African artists:
The Soil, an award-winning
a cappella group known for their Kasi Soul blend of rhythmic vocal bass lines, beat-boxing and sublime harmonies;
Simphiwe Dana, a popular Xhosa singer and songwriter who fuses traditional music with jazz, Afro-soul, R&B and hip hop; and
Tumi Molekane, the socially conscious hip hop artist, formerly of Tumi and the Volume, who will make his U.S. debut.
This year's
Festival will also include an
Apollo Uptown Hall: The Harlem/South Africa Connection panel discussion featuring leading social and political voices including the legendary social activist and actor
Harry Belafonte and former New York City Mayor
David N. Dinkins; a South African themed family workshop with artist and designer
Vickie Frémont; a panel discussion with participating artists as part of the Apollo's educational
Live Wire series; and other events.
