SummerStage: Taj Weekes & Adowa / Shine & The Moonbeams / Randolph Mathews / Screening: "Africa United"

Driven to provoke social discussion through his poignant poetry and lyrics, Taj Weekes formed Taj Weekes and Adowa in order to unite social consciousness with an unforgettable reggae groove. To date, the group has released three full-length albums; their most recent A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen is a compilation of fresh reggae songs laced with acoustic strings, guitar, violin and cello, and splashes of soulful harmonica. The group’s blend of acoustic roots rock and afro-folk simplicity defies genre and has garnered critical acclaim and a wide audience across the globe.

Shine & The Moonbeams features the best of soul music revamped to excite children of all ages. Take pleasure in Shine & The Moonbeams as they invite kids to stomp their feet, clap their hands and sing to melodic and bubbly tunes.

If you are into world music, urban folk or jazz you’ll understand that Randolph Matthews operates in his own parallel world where his music is an evolving journey, drawing on the greats of yesteryear in soul and African rhythms. Matthews channels the sounds of Marvin Gaye and Bobby McFerrin in his debut album I Love, an aurally delicious blend of emotive words, chant inspired with progressive beats. His second album, Precious released in 2012, reflects the many aspects of his kaleidoscopic palette, both uplifting and liberating; he takes the audience on a journey through spiritual songs and movement, using looped samples and storytelling. The result is unique and intimate, with beautiful melodies.

The movie Africa United tells the extraordinary story of three Rwandan kids who walk 3000 miles to see the Soccer World Cup in South Africa. Using a sack load of ingenuity and sass (and a World Cup wall chart for a map), these pint-sized protagonists set off through the endless horizons of Africa in pursuit of an unlikely dream. As they walk they gather a tribe, a ragamuffin team of broken and brilliant characters that help them negotiate a way through a series of glorious, dangerous, hilarious and often bizarre situations. Through these kids, audiences will encounter an Africa few people ever get to see; experience the hard reality of an epic walk through seven countries; as well as the joy, laughter and hope – ‘the ubuntu’ – that comes from making an incredible journey together.

Come early to catch our Queens Family Day featuring fun performances and workshops starting at 4pm. For more information on this program click here.

Event website: http://tajweekes.com