Music / Previews
Festival reveals refugee and global music lineup
Tibet, Turkey, Nicaragua and Zimbabwe are just a handful of the countries represented by performers taking the stage at Queen Square this weekend.
A day of global music and dance featuring refugee musicians has been programmed by Bristol Refugee Festival (BRF) for their grand finale on June 23.
The celebration has been a feature of Bristol’s cultural calendar since 2005.
is needed now More than ever
Thousands turned out to enjoy the performances, family activities and food at last year’s gathering, designed to showcase refugee culture and contributions, and celebrate sanctuary in the city.
This year musicians include Turkish Kurd singer and musician Özcan Ates, a gifted member of the new generation of bağlama players.
A Tibetan cultural showcase will be led by Tenzin Sangmo, who encouraged people to come along.
“BRF shares cultures and creates equal opportunities for the diverse communities in Bristol,” she said.
“It empowers and integrates refugees through culture, festivities, oneness and creating space and solace. See us, hear us, join us and celebrate with us.”
Tenzin performed at last year’s Celebrate With Me event at Page Park as part of the Festival, as well as bringing her Tibetan showcase to this year’s BRF launch event on June 8 – photo: Matt Jarvis
Mozambique-born rapper MoYah, who works locally with the Hip Hop Gardens and the RWA, and recently featured on BBC One’s Sunday Morning Live, will present young people from his Speak Out creative social action programme.
Africa will be represented by Zimbabwean singer Cecilia Ndholvu whose intimate vocals are accompanied by delicate mbira melodies and hypnotic rhythms; Senegalese master kora player Moussa Kouyate performing as the Bristol Griot with trumpet player David Mowat; and Congolese drummer Servo Severin.
The Oasis One World Choir will bring voices from round the world including those seeking sanctuary in Cardiff; and the Dovetail Orchestra, the refugee and asylum seeker musical collective that brought their powerful global show to St George’s last year, will showcase their dynamic talents.
The event rounds off a weekend of Celebrating Sanctuary in the City activities at Arnolfini, the Old Vic, Bristol Museums and Sparks over June 22-23.
The Dovetail Orchestra will be hosting workshops at the Bristol Beacon on June 22.
They will introduce middle eastern drumming, and Bangladeshi and Turkish singing, explore new grooves and scales and create a unique piece that reflects the cultures in the room.
The Dovetail Orchestra workshops will be led by Özcan, Suhela, Omar and Jon and are open to everyone. Participants can bring their own instrument, use one provided by the orchestra, or sing – photo: Diego Pena
On the ambition behind Bristol Refugee Festival, director Jules Olsen said: “Everyone has a right to live somewhere they feel safe, welcome and valued.
“Now, more than ever, Bristol needs to show solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers. We hope that this year’s theme of ‘Home’ let’s them know that Bristol can be their home for as long as they need.”
For more information visit www.bristolrefugeefestival.org
Main photo: Diego Pena
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