Staff Writer“Direct from Rio de Janeiro”
Saturday, August 18th 9:00 p.m.
Worldbeat Center
2100 Park Blvd
Balboa Park
AfroReggae, the first band of Grupo Cultural Afro Reggae (GCAR) to become professional, was formed in 1995 as a result of dance and percussion workshops in the favela (shanty-town) of Vigário Geral in Brazil. Their meteoric rise from the violent slums of Rio to the world stage culminated in 2006 with the premiere of their funky cover of The Beatle’s “Imagine” on Copacabana Beach, opening for none other than the Rolling Stones in front of 1.5 million people.
Through music, AfroReggae offer a way out of the drug trade and sub-employment for countless favela kids. They’ve grown to become an internationally acclaimed band and a major source of development, education and hope across Rio – a perfect fit for Make Some Noise. With an explosive mix of rap, dance and percussion, they have transformed “Imagine” with a funky, soulful live spirit. They have enjoyed numerous international tours, including performances at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and at Carnegie Hall in 2004, developing a reputation for fierce live shows. Their first hit CD, Novo Cara, was released by Universal in 2001.
Their current tour coincides with the launch of their second album Nenhum Motivo Explica a Guerra (Nothing Justifies War) in December 2005. The title track features UK rappers Estelle and Ty who recorded with the band after being invited earlier this year to see their extraordinary work in the Vigario Geral favela. From February to March 2006, AfroReggae held a series of concerts and workshops in London, Manchester and Oxford, introducing their unique philosophy to excluded young people and bringing their own message of empowerment and belonging.
$25 Advance / $30 @ Door
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