Staff Benda Bilili
Wednesday 18 May, 8.00pm
Norwich Theatre Royal
with support from Ayanna Witter-Johnson |
"Havana cantina, Kinshasa slum, psychedelic club or London arts centre - this outfit would tear the roof off anywhere" The Independent
Congolese super-band Staff Benda Bilili returns to play a string of live dates around the nationwide release of feature film Benda Bilili.
Staff Benda Bilili's inspirational live shows and extraordinary story have caused a stir around the globe. The band name translates as ‘look beyond appearances’. A group of paraplegic street musicians who live in and around Kinshasa zoo in the Democratic Republic of Congo, they consider themselves the real journalists of Kinshasa.
Their songs document and comment on everyday life, and resonate with the pulse of Congolese rumba, Cuban swing and at times the Godfather of Soul himself.
At the heart of the group are four singer/guitarists perched on spectacular customised tricycles, backed by an energetic rhythm section, and topped off with the infectious guitar-like sounds of a teenage prodigy who plays a one-stringed electric lute he designed and built himself out of a tin can.
The band triumphed at the Cannes Film Festival last year with Benda Bilili, a full-length feature film directed by Renaud Barret and Florent de la Tullaye (aka Belle Kinoise). The critically acclaimed film was released in March.
Support for Staff Benda Bilili comes from Ayannna Witter-Johnson. Bristling with soul, and startlingly original, live she’s a knockout delight. In 2010 she won the Talent Night at the Harlem Apollo, following in the footsteps of legendary performers from Ella Fitzgerald to James Brown, Michael Jackson and Lauryn Hill.
An NNF night you won’t want to miss!
Follow this link for a review which reveals the wonders in store
Venue
Norwich Theatre Royal
Theatre Street
Norwich
NR2 1AR
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Your comments
Absolutely brilliant! Had the stuffy old Theatre Royal dancing in the aisles!! Just great.
Next time give them a venue where everyone can DANCE xx
By Brondie from Norwich on Wed 18 May 2011
Great evening, full of energy!
That was just shameful the venue was sitting for this very much dancing band.
By Corinne from Norwich on Thu 19 May 2011