Festival of the week: Back2Black Festival, Old Billingsgate, London EC3
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Spread across three days, four stages, 30 acts, talks and exhibitions, Back2Black brings a pan-continental celebration of African music and culture to Old Billingsgate from its home in Rio's Leopoldina Station.
Friday's highlight is poet Linton Kwesi Johnson with Dennis Bovell's amazing live Dub band. From Brazil comes Luiz Melodia's take on vintage Samba, while in Batalha dos Passinhos (Steps Battle) Brazilian dancers freestyle. Saturday includes a double-header of young Brazilian singer Criolo with Ethio-Jazz legend Mulatu Astatke.
Hugh Masekela raises his golden trumpet and Femi Kuti opens a new vein of Afrobeat; plus, samba veteran Mart'nália delivers an illustrious take on the tradition.
Sunday sees Toumani Diabaté unveil a new album, A Curva da Cintura, with poet-musicians Arnaldo Antunes and Edgard Scandurra. Amadou & Mariam conjure the sound sensations of Bamako, and there's a closing set from the festival host, Gilberto Gil.
(020 7638 8891; barbican.org.uk) Fri to 1 Jul
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments