A new Africa: Janka Nabay and Esau Mwamwaya
Saturday night in Brooklyn was all about Radioclit's infamous London Soucousse party. It was the first Soucousse to ever happen in Brooklyn and this was one for the ages. Radioclit put together a bill that brought together some of the strongest forces in new African music. At the forefront was bubu music progenitor, Ahmed Janka Nabay. Janka made his debut US performance at about 130 am in full rafia costume -- "culutre couture" that Janka made himself that afternoon (apparently he's got a serious rafia stash in Philly, all brought from Salone.)
Following Janka's show was another remarkable performance by The Very Best. Esau Mwamaya made a guest appearance for an hour's worth of music that turned Williamsburg on its head. The crowd, juiced by DJ performances from Brooklyn's Uproot Andy and London's Vamanos, danced till the wee hours.
Sarah tries on Janka's rafia backstage
Posted by Wills Glasspiegel
wills@greenowl.com
