To launch Black History Month 2018, Nora Chipaumire continues her series on iconic women and the ideologies they represent, from pop to punk and Congolese rumba. Taking inspiration from her formative years in Zimbabwe, through the 1970s, 80s and 90s, and discovering more democratic ways to share music, personal history and find a common ground.
#PUNK and *N!GGA are inspired by two contrasting sonic ideologies: punk and Congolese rumba, which are confronted and celebrated through the music of artists such as Patti Smith and Rit Nzele. The performances aim to discover more democratic ways to share music and personal history, and find a common ground.
#PUNK: Patti Smith is a myth-making American star, and has captured the world’s imagination with her top-chart records, her writing, her particular manner of dress and her ability to persist in being relevant. #PUNK riffs off an iconic Patti Smith lyric (“I am a rock and roll nigga”), and offers a punk perspective on the future.
*N!gga: this provocatively titled session addresses Nora’s own appreciation of African aesthetics and Africanisms through a study of Congolese rumba music. Congolese rumba is an African reading of Cuban rumba, and it is the pride and joy of African music. Nora explores the work of Rit Nzele, a phenomenal atalaku (meaning dictation – animation singer- mc). *N!gga is arguably an attitude, a record, a lifestyle, an idea or simply a celebration of African genius and imagination.
More Leicester Listings MORE
BlackChat: Archival Silences
Archival collections are inevitably subject to archival silences, which are the result of destruction, concealment and the absence…
BBC New Comedy Awards 2024
The BBC’s biggest comedy talent search is back and they’re heading to Y Theatre, Leicester for the Midlands…
Luther Live
The UK’s highest rated touring show and now direct from The London Palladium in celebration of The Velvet…
A Journey through Black Music – BHM 2024
A selection of local and national artists will be taking us on a journey through black music. Our…
Kane Brown: Don’t Listen To Me
Fearlessly hilarious delivery combined with honesty and sincerity. Kane Brown is 19 years in the game, has performed…
Going For Gold
A riveting drama inspired by the true story of Frankie Lucas, a young black boxer navigating the vibrant yet…
The Marvin Gaye
Every magical hit is respectfully recreated, brought to life starring West End and X Factor star NATE SIMPSON – fresh…
The Stylistics
Direct from Philadelphia USA, one of the most legendary soul artists of all time. The Stylistics have…