Young Paris, Patoranking, Seyi Shay And Buffalo Souljah Set To Headline The Apollo Theater's Annual Africa Now! Concert Weekend

The Apollo Theater, in partnership with World Music Institute, presents African dancehall artists Patoranking (Nigeria), Seyi Shay (Nigeria), Buffalo Souljah (Zimbabwe), and Afrobeat sensation Kaleta & Super Yamba Band (Benin/Nigeria) as part of AFRICA NOW! hosted by Young Prince and music by DJ mOma. The 7th annual collaboration returns to the legendary Apollo stage on Saturday, April 13 at 8:00 p.m. This year's concert, a highlight of the Apollo's season, celebrates not only the best of today's African contemporary music but spotlights how the music of the diaspora has impacted the continent.

African Dancehall music has become increasingly more mainstream since the 1980s. Most recently, artists such as Drake and Wizkid have infused Dancehall into their music, introducing the beautiful blends of Caribbean and African beats to a global audience. Part of the Apollo's mission is to recognize and spotlight movements that have shaped the contemporary musical landscape. Now, in it's seventh year, Africa Now! continues to highlight the sounds from the continent and the artists who are pushing Africa's music scene forward, said Apollo Theater Executive Producer, Kamilah Forbes.

Additional Africa Now! events include the Theater's popular Apollo Music Caf with performances by Tosin and Allinor on April 12 at 10 p.m. and an Africa Now! after-party performance by Young Paris on April 13 at 11 p.m. Also, on April 13 at 2 p.m., the Apollo in partnership with the New York African Film Festival will present free film screenings of Martha and Niki and I Love Kuduro. Check out ApolloTheater.org for updates.

About Africa Now! Artists
Patoranking is an award-winning Nigerian dancehall artist who has made major waves over the last couple of years with hits such as No Kissing, My Woman My Everything, Happy Day, and Girlie O. His unique blend of Dancehall, Reggae and Afrobeats has allowed him to create a distinct sound recognized by many. With his vocal command and patois flair Patoranking has collaborated with some of Africa's most respected artists such as Roc Nation's Tiwa Savage, Ghanaian favorites Sarkodie and Bisa Kdei, as well as one of Africa's other top dancehall artists Timaya.

In 2015, Seyi Shay released her debut album, Seyi or Shay which featured 15 tracks including hits, Right Now and Crazy featuring Nigerian international pop star Wizkid. Seyi Shay has become a household name and one of the brightest breakout stars representing Nigeria. In 2018, she released her seven-track extended play titled Electric Package, which Nigerian music writer Victor Okpala calls a delicious musical buffet.

Buffalo Souljah's career began when he composed his first song Zuva Randisingakanganwe (The Day I Will Never Forget) at the tender age of eight. Hailing from Zimbabwe, Buffalo Souljah credits his talent to his father who was a jazz artist and saxophonist. In 2008, Buffalo Souljah won two Channel O Music Video Awards for Best Reggae Dancehall Video and Best Newcomer pitting him as a rising star on the dancehall music scene. Additional honors for Buffalo Souljah include the Zimdancehall Best Diaspora Artist Award, ZIMA Award for Best International Achievement, and nomination for the AFRIMMA Award for Best African Dancehall Act.

Kaleta & Super Yamba Band, formed in Brooklyn, NY, is fronted by Afrobeat veteran Leon Ligan-Majek a.k.a. Kaleta. The singer, guitarist and percussionist from the West African country of Benin Republic lived his adolescent life in Lagos, Nigeria where Afrobeat was born. Kaleta has performed and toured the world with artists such as Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ad , along with Majek Fashek and recently Lauryn Hill. Since taking the helm of the Super Yamba Band in 2017, Kaleta and his band have erupted onto the stages of major music festivals across the United States and have even been featured in multiple music publications.

Tickets and Information
Tickets for Africa Now! start at $28.50 and are available at the Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, https://www1.ticketmaster.com/africa-now-dancehall/event/0000558CDFB16AED?dma_id=345

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