Following on from both 2005 and 2006 African Soul Rebel Tours, this year could arguably be the best yet.

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The chance to see the ‘The Son of a Lion’ Femi Kuti should be enough in itself but in case it isn’t, there’s a six track promo CD on the streets if you need any convincing that this is going to be one of the gigs of the year.

A Femi Kuti compilation album called The Definitive Collection is coming out and the track ‘Beng, Beng, Beng’ is certainly ‘definitive’ in my book. It dates way back to 1999 on Talkin’ Loud and has been a long lasting favourite in all its versions (check out the Da Lata remix as featured on Hectic’s N-E-X-T-W-O-R-L-D #2 podcast).

You can hear some of Femi’s Dad’s spirit in Ba Cissoko, especially on ‘Griot Ba’. This is a big tune and it’s a sure fire winner with the Equator Sound System DJs and I’m grateful to DJ Yam for letting me get my hands on this one.

The Manu Chao production sticker helped Amadou & Mariam get their world superstar status. This year, Because have used the same trick on Akli D as he completes the line up. As a tempter they’ve included a couple of tracks from the Chao produced album, Ma Yela with the Andy Kershaw favourite, ‘Good Morning Tchétchčnes’. Also check the video of ‘C’est Facile!’ for of Alki D’s his infectious style and see why he’s creating such a buzz.

So keep your eyes open for the promo CD in record stores and book your tickets for the Tour as, like the last two, it’s not to be missed.

African Soul Rebels Tour 2007: February
14 Leicester : de Montford Hall 01162333111
15 London : Barbican 0207 638 8891 www.barbican.org.uk
16 Liverpool: Philharmonic Hall 0151 709 3789
18 Edinburgh : Usher Hall 0131 228 1155
19 Manchester : Bridgewater Hall 0161 907 9000
20 Gateshead Sage: 0191 443 4661
21 Northampton: Royal & Derngate 0164 624 811
22 Coventry: Warwick Arts Centre 02476524524
23 Poole : Lighthouse 01202 685222
24 Basingstoke : Anvil 01256 844244
21 Brighton : Brighton Dome 01272 709709
22 Bristol: Colston Hall 0117 922 3686

Reviewed: African Soul Rebels — UK Tour 2007 Promo CD
Femi Kuti
1. Beng Beng Beng (4:45)
2. Do Your Best (6:10)
Ba Cissoko
3. Griot Ba
4. Le Reve De L’oiseau
Akli D
5. Good Morning Tchétchčnes
6. DDA Mokrane

Links:
African Soul Rebel Tour 2007 www.musicbeyondmainstream.com
www.because.tv/artistes/akli-d
www.aklid.com
Wrasse Records www.wrasserecords.com
The Big Chill House www.bigchill.net
14th December 2006: 8.00pm — 1.00am
Join DJs Yam & Biggabush for rocksteady Afro funk Latin soul dubtronic batucada ska boogalu!
www.soundwayrecords.com
www.juicebrighton.com — Juice 107.2 fm Brighton’s local radio station — Afrobase show / Hot Tropical Radio every Sunday 4-6pm (DJ’S Miles Cleret (Soundway Records)
www.totallyradio.com
Amadou & Mariam www.amadou-mariam.co.ukwww.worldmusic.net
African Diaspora Film Festival www.nyadff.org