YOUSSOU N’DOUR, NEW-YORK CITY (NY), NOVEMBER 1ST 2015


image

Youssou N’Dour is and has been Senegal’s Ambassador of music since the 80s despite a quick recent hiatus in politics as minister of culture following his presidential bid in his country. Rolling Stone describes him as “perhaps the most famous singer alive” in Senegal and much of Africa. He has popularized the Senegalese music genre known as M’Balax. Youssou will be performing at Terminal 5 in NYC. You may obtain more info and purchase tickets here: http://www.terminal5nyc.com/event/896643/

JOSHUA TREE MUSIC FESTIVAL, JOSHUA TREE (CA), OCTOBER 8TH-11TH 2015


image

The 10th  Annual Spring Joshua Tree Music Festival (JTMF) is happening October 8-11, in Joshua Tree, CA.
Merging its funky desert style with an internationally acclaimed lineup of musical artists, this three day (and four night) family-friendly festival is truly a global music experience. The festival melds the overwhelming spirit of desert freedom, with powerful music from around the world, to create a lighthearted oasis for music lovers. Magically magnificent art installations, a robust Kidsville schedule, the heavily shaded Music Bowl, a full spectrum of yoga classes from sunrise to sunset, 27 different music playshops and didjeridu classes, late night Astronomy theatre, and a World Market further inspire, intrigue and invite festival goers. Discover your new favorite band and dozens of new friends in the shadows of the otherworldly Joshua Tree National Park.  The fall line-up features the hip swaying positive sounds of Xavier Rudd & the United Nations (AUS), the Brooklynbased, horn-filled freight train of a funkestra that is Turkuaz, the rollicking ‘Ozark Stomp’ of the Ben Miller Band, Daby Toure’s (Senegal) soulful global sonic mixture, the raw funk of Ronkat Spearman’s Katdelic, steamy tropical beats by Boogat (Argentina), the soul-tastic stylings of Chali 2na (J5) and the Funk Hunters (Canada), global superstar DJs Marques Wyatt and Adam Freeland (UK), and the belting rock and roll anthems of Lee Gallagher & the Hallelujah.  Twenty eight artists representing more than 10 countries, with just one band live at a time so you don’t miss a beat. An eclectic line-up, artfully sequenced throughout the weekend for maximum impact.  For the full line-up and festival info, log onto:  http://www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com
The Joshua Tree Music Festivals (there are two each year, with the 14th Annual Spring JTMF happening May 12-15, 2016) are intimate, community-centric, artistically infused and highly participatory affairs. They capture the DIY funkiness of the high desert, turning rusted junk into striking art, old trailers into stages, and a shaded stretch of campground on the outskirts of the infamous national park into a family friendly global music experience. Focusing on up-and-coming artists, the festiva lhas a penchant for picking about-to-break names, from Deer Tick to Trombone Shorty, Edward Sharpe to Brett Dennen, the Avett Brothers to Toubab Krewe, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Elle King, Chicano Batman, Trampled by Turtles, Greensky Bluegrass, Valerie June and more.
JTMF is produced by a family of friends and funsters convinced that music is the soul of life, and that art enriches and saves lives. The festival is constructed around one Music bowl, with two alternating stages. “It’s the combination of the magical setting, the music and the people that leads to epiphanic moments. We’ve created a space that enables folks to spend more time together with the ability to not miss any of the music.” Those ‘shared experiences’ are where you find the magic. Kidsville is action packed, and people rate JTMF as one of the few festivals that truly caters to the entire family. There are no ‘nosebleed’ sections, white tents, long lines or yellow-jacketed security details. Instead find instant community with nonstop interaction, as folks gather under the billowing shade cloth (over 30,000 square feet of shade flying over the stages and audience), while soaking up the sonic celebrations of the inspired artists. This intimate affair is splashed with ‘conversation stopping’ golden sunsets and star-filled desert night skies.
The desert is freedom, music is power, and community is crucial. Tap into this magical trifecta and get your JTMF tickets now! http://www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com/tickets.html
Full festival line up, schedule, and more information at the following sites: Website  |   Facebook  |  Instagram   |  Pinterest   |  Graphics   |   Hi Res Images

CATCH A FIRE TOUR 2015, LOS ANGELES (CA), SEPTEMBER 27TH 2015


image

In celebration of what would have been Bob Marley’s 70th birthday year, his
son Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley announced the “Catch A Fire Tour 2015”. The
stacked line-up features some of the world’s greatest reggae artists
including “Jr. Gong”, Stephen “Ragga” Marley, Barrington Levy, Morgan
Heritage, Tarrus Riley, with special guests Jo Mersa, Black Am I, Skip
Marley and Jmere Morgan.

You may obtain more info and purchase tickets here: http://www.greektheatrela.com/events/event_details.php?id=3144

BAY AREA VIBZ, OAKLAND (CA), SEPTEMBER 26TH-27TH 2015


image

Check the Bay Area Vibz Reggae Festival with its strong line-up:

Bassnectar
Damian “Jr.Gong” Marley
NAS
Aloe Blacc w/ Sankofa Sound
Stephen “Ragga” Marley
Meshell Ndegeocello
Paper Diamond
Morgan Heritage
The Grouch & Eligh
Cut Chemist
Tarrus Riley
Fishbone
Richie Spice
Mod Sun
Fiji
I-Wayne
Jo Mersa
Krooked Treez
Black Am-I
Jemere Morgan
Skip Marley
Forrest Day
The Courtney John Project
Queen Omega
I-Live
Z Trip
More Artists to be Announced

You may get more info and purchase tickets here: http://www.bayareavibez.com/index.php

BHAKTI FEST, JOSHUA TREE (CA), SEPTEMBER 9TH-12TH 2015


image

Bhakti Fest reached its peak attendance since its inception in 2009 though there weren’t powerhouse World music bands such as Salif Keita’s in the line-up this year, mainly local acts as opposed to international. The festival took place in its usual desertic setting in the Yucca Mountains, in the Joshua Tree desert to be more specific. Thousands of Yoga adepts and Hindi culture enthusiasts traveled from all over the globe to camp and enjoy Yoga classes (slow or fast-paced, all levels) and workshops from world-class trained experts. Traditional Kirtan music or fused with modern music (Hip hop, Reggae, Dance) was played by various bands and DJs. There were healthy vegan food and artistic craft from local state vendors. Musical performances lasted until 3AM and some food and craft vendors also remained open until then. The festival was a definite success and will feature more eclectic and dynamic acts as well as a stronger line-up in the future, per its new production management.

Wolof Times was in attendance and our lovely reporter Sunny Moore graced the cover of the festival’s program.image

Check Afrocentric Shirt Designs: https://woloftimes.wordpress.com/baby-f-dada-custom-clothing-www-babyfdada-com/

Fitness is 80% Nutrition and 20% Exercise! If you’re interested in losing weight, check: https://woloftimes.wordpress.com/herbalife-fitness-nutrition/

ANKARA LOS ANGELES FESTIVAL (AFLA), LOS ANGELES (CA), SEPTEMBER 11TH-12TH 2015


image

If you weren’t at Ankara Festival Los Angeles 2015, you missed out on a wonderful cultural experience delving into different parts of Africa with high-end and ready-to-wear fashion, amazing dancers, musicians, food and most of all: BEAUTIFUL AFRICAN PEOPLE IN BEAUTIFUL ANKARA CLOTHING. The melanin was definitely on fleek and so were all of the ankara prints and patterns. The energy in the atmosphere was on a higher vibratory plane than any other fashion show. You were first introduced to the show by flags from different African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Kenya. Seeing the different flags drew a sense of pride. For the fashion show, down the runway was an eclectic mix of models and designers such as Sania Josiah, Kabeh Ojo, Treasure Eutopia, Fantabela and Tinz, my favorite line which consisted of well tailored suits for men and modernized shirt dresses for women all in Dashiki print, everything in the line you wanted to have in your closet. In between some segments, the house was rocked by rhythmic beats and lyrics from African music artists such as Meaku. The crowd was also entertained by dancers shaking it to the drum beat like only our people know how. There were also a couple of comedy skits, one in which was a “Coming to America” themed skit that involved twins. The most amazing part of the show was the energy and the people, proud African people shining bright in every aspect, like always. It was a very well-organized journey that you didn’t want to end. The next Ankara Fest will be in New York, in May 2016! Will you be there? I know I will!

Batani Khalfani, reporter and photographer for Wolof Times.

Check Afrocentric Shirt Designs:
https://woloftimes.wordpress.com/baby-f-dada-custom-clothing-www-babyfdada-com/

Fitness is 80% Nutrition and 20% Exercise! If you’re interested in losing weight, check: https://woloftimes.wordpress.com/herbalife-fitness-nutrition/

DELL-P, VOLTAGE LOUNGE, PHILADELPHIA (PA), SEPTEMBER 11TH 2015


image

Who is Dell-P??? I was recently at Voltage Lounge in Center City Philadelphia, where I had the great privilege to come across one of the Dopest and Livest Hip Hop Artists called Dell-P. His song delivery leaves the audience no choice other than feeling the passion, anger, love and rawness of his lyrics. As he performed, I glanced around at the crowd, and all were doing the classic Hip Hop Head Bob in unison, which was awesome.

Dell-P is the true definition of Hip Hop. A West Philadelphia native who isn’t afraid to create his own lane and refuses to conform to the new waves of the industry . Dell-P has a lot of great things currently happening for him as well as on the horizon.

Dell-P has performed at many premier locations in the Philadelphia area including the TLA and the Wells Fargo Center. His musical talents have granted him the opportunity to open up for hip-hop acts such as DMX, Slum Village, Rich Boy, Fabolous, and State Property. With this resume, there is no question as to why XXL Magazine and This Is 50.Com have named Dell-P one of the best kept secrets of Hip Hop…

Dell-P dropped his new project this summer on the WHOMAG/SONY Distribution imprint, and from the comments on iTunes his project “A New Beginning” is exactly what he’s got in store for Hip-Hop as he sees it. There are some like minds out there hungry and “A New Beginning” feeds them properly. Once you take a listen to the music, you will understand why Dell-P has been called “the best kept secret of Hip Hop” by XXL Magazine… Feel free to follow Dell-P on IG & TWITTER @DELLP215

I firmly believe that Dell-P is an artist that every true Hip Hop lover should definitely support by purchasing his albums and attending his shows, given the current state of Hip hop.  If you thought this art form was dead, Dell-P is here to let you know its a New Beginning…

Khadijah Yayefall Ndiaye is a Worldwide reporter and photographer, based in Philadelphia, for Wolof Times.

Check Afrocentric Shirt Designs: https://woloftimes.wordpress.com/baby-f-dada-custom-clothing-www-babyfdada-com/

Fitness is 80% Nutrition and 20% Exercise! If you’re interested in losing weight, check: https://woloftimes.wordpress.com/herbalife-fitness-nutrition/

ANKARA FESTIVAL LOS ANGELES (AFLA), LOS ANGELES (CA), SEPTEMBER 11TH-12TH 2015


image
Ankara Festival Los Angeles (AFLA) organization is hosting its 6th annual
event to promote African culture and modern arts in Hollywood, CA. The
event showcases various aspects of African culture through fashion, music
and entertainment. It features both local and international participants
which include: fashion designers, musicians, dancers, comedians and actors.
You can get more information and purchase tickets here: http://www.ankarafestla.com