Femi Delivers Positive Vibes

The Coverage& Exclusive By. Sir Kempson Ari weYulu

@ZambiazHarshTag @KempsonAri

kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com

T

he drum is an African invention and novelty, a cardinal part of African culture and custom. It is a tool used to communicate and celebrate, with distinct rhythms distinguishing the various occasions. Hence the theme One Drum Many Beats was indeed an appropriate theme for the 2015 Barefeet Festival, and the right elder was called upon to deliver the unifying message and enlightening force of music. The organizers Barefeet Theatre (@barefeettheater) were also up to task, the open air theater was befitting of the week long festivities that took place.  

Sound and lighting are cardinal to any live musical or theatrical performance, and they can make or break an event. Zirbo Zambia stage and lighting put to rest the myth that Zambia cannot stage festivals of international standard, by transforming the show grounds Gymkhana Club into a world class stage on which local supporting acts and a Grammy nominated musician virtuoso performed. From the first drum beat by Fire (a joint act between Zambians and the Dutch) to the last note sung by our neighbors from Zimbabwe Mokoomba (@Mokoomba), every key could be heard through the speakers clear as a bell. Indigenous acts that also took to the stage included MOJO music (@lsk_mojo) kalindula/Mukambo crooner artist Mumba Yachi (@MumbaYachi) whose performance included cult hit Mongu Rice, guitar maestro Uncle Rex and his band also belted out some hits and ballads and just before the headline act’s set, Zambian soul songstress Maureen Lupo Lilanda (@maureenlilanda)

backed by her stunning daughter and violin soloist gave a very lively performance which included a cover of Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud. 

        

The eager eyes and ears were immediately serenaded and began to sway as soon as the Positive Force began the 10 song playlist and raison d’être of the evening with a piercing horn laden performance of What Will Tomorrow Bring, and as the song mellowed down, on strutted the master virtuoso himself the great Femi Kuti on stage clad in a blue regal traditional outfit (with embroidery details of green, red and orange of the Zambian flag) with three dancers/backing vocals in tow to a thunderous welcome from the intimate crowd. The set included a fusion of music genres including funk, soul, jazz, bosa nova, all collectively weaved into an afro beat measure. The entertainer and performer skillfully played keyboard solos, saxophone and a hypnotizing 5 minute clarinet classical arrangement. From the tempo to the salient harmonies of the call and response, Do

Your Best from the Fight to Win album (the album version features Mos Def) was delivered in true afro beat standard. Other notable anthems that displayed his musical dexterity charged with social commentary included The World Is Changing, and hit record Sorry Sorry. But the four time Grammy nominated afro beat act would not have been complete without saluting the crowd with the chart toping Bang Bang. The performance was that of legends, never missing a single note, the dancers moving in sync and the Positive Force Band consisting of a six piece horn section, 1 keyboard player, 1 lead guitarist, a bass player and a drummer, kept the crowed dancing and singing along to familiar afro beat tunes. He that came to be watched and heard delivered an unforgettable poignant performance.   

   

Gratitude must be extended to all the sponsors who made the Barefeet Theater vision possible and the materialization of the celebrations. Applause Barefeet Theater also did a phenomenal job of accommodating the press (free & support underground bloggers), it’s an unsung heroes honour and other events should emulate and accommodate freelance writers. The biggest appreciation is reserved for Baba Olufemi (and the Positive Force) who has a busy schedule and global engagements, for gracing the occasion with great vigor. Although this was his maiden visit to Zambia, Olufela Olufemi Anikulapo Kuti is always welcome to Zambia. The smiles could not be wiped off the faces of the music lovers who were treated to a stellar performance of the uppermost standard. He is indeed the son of Fela, and continues to express his fathers’ legacy in his own unique way and the mission of liberating Africa.  Anikulapo (he who carries death in his pocket) indeed delivered a killer Positive Force, bringing the festivities to a crescendo ending on the evening/night of 29^th August 2015.

     

Catch a full analysis of the message Olufemi had for Zambia: Libretto by Olufemi at  On kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com Friday 4th September 2015 at 12pm CAT