AfroReggae was established in the favela of Vigário Geral (Rio de Janeiro) in 1993 in the wake of a brutal police massacre — it is as much an NGO as a musical movement.

It works with the poorest and most violent communities in Rio and aims to provide young people with an alternative to guns and drugs through arts-based activities. Through the AfroReggae UK Partnership they have set up projects in London and Manchester.

Thursday night will also include a post show talk with Professor Paul Heritage in conversation with AfroReggae’s Artistic Director José Junior. It was Paul Heritage of the People’s Palace Projects (PPP) Queen Mary University who introduced the group to the UK.

The shows are being organised as part of the Barbican’s 25th anniversary celebrations and will also include a series of related films.

AfroReggae’s album ‘Favela Uprising’ is released on Mr Bongo on 6th August.

The films:

Thursday 28 June, 5.30pm, Cinema 3
‘Nenhum Motivo Explica A Guerra (There is no Motive for War)’
Carlos Diegues’ first documentary focuses on the people behind the AfroReggae phenomenon. Diegues and his crew spent weeks interviewing AfroReggae artists and their comrades from various slum quarters. The story of 21st century Rio de Janeiro, a city locked in violence, told by those who remained to tell the tale and who now travel the world with their exhilarating performances.

Brazil 2006. Director Carlos Diegues. 82 minutes.

Friday 29 June, 5.30pm, Cinema 3
‘Favela Rising’ 12A
Jeff Zimbalist and Matt Mochary’s documentary is set in the grim reality of Rio de Janeiro’s most feared slum. Anderson Sa, a former drug-trafficker turned revolutionary, uses hip hop music and Afro-Brazilian dance to rally his community to war against the violent oppression enforced by teenage drug armies and sustained by corrupt police.

Brazil/US. Director Jeff Zimbalist and Matt Mochary. 78 minutes.

‘From the Favelas to Hackney’ 12A
From the favelas of Rio, to the Barbican’s doorstep, and one of London’s poorest boroughs, this documentary follows a four-day AfroReggae project in Hackney Free and Parochial School, culminating in a glorious live performance at Amnesty International. Footage from the streets of Rio and London and inspired reflections from the talented pupils add to the power of this eye-opening short.

UK 2006. Speak-it Productions. 21 minutes.

For more info see AfroReggaw, Mr Bongo or The Barbican.