London’s Africa Centre recently relocated to a shiny new development near Tate Modern, but in the process it appeared to lose its groove, belying an era where young British talents reflect pan-African heritage (under the umbrella term Afrobeats and beyond), and arts from across Africa inspire increasingly wide audiences. On a mellow August day, the centre’s free summer festival, stretching over the long street outside its base, feels like a positive reconnect.
The music is on two stages at opposite ends of the street, with a dance stage, food and fashion stalls in between. Programmed by broadcaster Rita Ray and event curator Elliott Jack, bold characters abound, and strength, savviness and passion shine.
London-Nigerian MC Afrikan Boy provides high-energy links on the Black British music stage; the Africa stage follows Wiyaala’s Ghanaian Afropop blast with the richly melodic soukous of Congolese musician Kanda Bongo Man (whose band includes ace guitarist Otis Lumumba). The most dazzling highlight is arguably Johannesburg’s Manthe Ribane, who appears shrouded in neon wraps, and unfurls avant-soul grooves (she’s signed to the experimental label Hyperdub with electronic producer Okzharp) and mesmerising choreography.
What’s also impressive is the spirit in which both ends of the street intersect. There is a fluid, multi-generational flow between the crowds at the Black British music stage (where all ages whoop to P Montana’s Afrobeats and bashment selections, beefed up with live beats, or the snappy “Afrobbean” fusion of Birmingham duo Lotto Boyzz) and the Africa stage. On this showing, the Africa Centre seems primed to extend its roots again and host a new generation of sounds and scenes.
