Nonclassical and The African Concert Series are partnering for a two-day festival of live music and discussions, celebrating the diversity of musical styles from the African continent.

Our curated programme reflects on how we define ‘classical music’, challenging the Eurocentric narrative of the genre. Contrary to the catch-all term of ‘world music’, these events are an opportunity to discover the breadth of artistic approaches and styles in African classical music. 

Wed 4 May | IKLECTIK 

Presented by Gabriel Prokofiev (composer, DJ), our first event will feature a series of solo and collaborative sets of music from Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Piano works intertwined with field recordings performed by Rebeca Omordia and Gabriel will feature alongside a solo set from Kora player, cellist, and composer, Tunde Jegede. Tunde will also be joined by Lagos-based electronic musician and violist, Ibukun Sunday for a new collaboration with electronics, then Ibukun will see out the night with a live electronics set. 

Sun 8 May | The Africa Centre

The second day of our partnership kicks off with festival artists and ethnomusicologists coming together for a panel discussion: (Re)defining African Classical Music. Bex Burch and Afla Sackey will follow, performing original compositions and presenting Ghanian music from contrasting regions using voice, djembe and the Gyil (Ghanaian Balafon). The event will conclude with a set from the 4-piece KRAR Collective, performing a program capturing the wealth of different styles of Ethiopian classical music.

Join us for an exploration of music from Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, and Ethiopia, encompassing historic music that has been passed down through aural traditions; notated classical and contemporary works from African composers; new electronic music from Africa and more. 

TICKETS

Festival pass // Includes access to all events on Wed 4 May + Sat 8 May

Advance £18, Concession £14

Single event

Advance £12, Concession £8

Access

Companion tickets are available free of charge to those who require additional support and/or assistance during the course of an emergency evacuation. 

IKLECTIK is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible toilet.

Unfortunately The Africa Centre has no step free access. The performance space is up one flight of stairs.

Please get in touch with sophie@nonclassical.co.uk for more information about either venue or with any other access queries.

Covid-19

The safety of our audience, artists and staff always comes first. At present we are encourgaing all attendees to take a lateral flow test prior to attending and to wear a mask. We will be operating at reduced capacity to allow for appropriate distancing. We are constantly reviewing the situation regarding Covid-19 and will take extra measures to keep everybody safe where necessary. Please send any queries to sophie@nonclassical.co.uk. 

Refund Policy

If you are no longer able to attend we will accept refunds requested up to 48 hours before the performance. If you find you’re unable to attend within 48 hours of the performance (for example: due to a positive coronavirus test), please contact sophie@nonclassical.co.uk and we will happily exchange your ticket for another Nonclassical event of your choice (subject to ticket prices and availability).

In partnership with The African Concert Series.

Nonclassical and The African Concert Series are grateful for support from Arts Council England, Fourchiefs Media, Colourful Radio, The Africa Centre and Samuel Gardner Memorial Trust.