African Soul Rebels, Music Beyond Mainstream’s trailblazing live series, returns for a new era—celebrating fearless artists who reshape tradition, challenge borders and place rhythm at the centre of resistance and joy.
Leading the line-up are Les Amazones d’Afrique, the powerhouse collective of West African artists whose music combines ancient roots with urgent, future-facing sounds and a message of strength, unity and change.
From Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage to a place on President Barack Obama’s playlist, the voices of Les Amazones d’Afrique have been heard around the world. Their music brings female power, social purpose and irresistible dance rhythms together in an electrifying live performance.
They are joined by Malawian musician Gasper Nali, an innovative babatoni player from the shores of Lake Malawi. Using a three-metre-long, one-stringed homemade bass guitar, a stick, an empty beer bottle and a cow-skin kick drum, he creates joyful and highly danceable Afro beats.
Completing the line-up is N’famady Kouyaté, who has built an enthusiastic UK audience since moving from Guinea to Wales in 2019. His primary instrument is the balafon, a traditional wooden xylophone central to West African culture and his family’s griot heritage.
Winner of the 2023 Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition, N’famady combines his West African heritage with contemporary Western influences, including Super Furry Animals and The Flaming Lips.
This is more than a concert. It is the revival of a movement and a celebration of African creativity, resistance and innovation—past, present and future.
Access bookings: supervisors@bridgewater-hall.co.uk or call 0161 907 9000.
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