Situated within close proximity to some of the festival’s increasingly populated hangouts at Wilderness, such as the Atrium, if you happened to stumble upon the Level stage, you were almost guaranteed to be charmed by a constant conveyer belt of talented troubadours within the world music spectrum. There were memorable performances by Colectiva, an all-female, tight-knit Afro-Latin outfit, and Dele Sosimi’s afrobeat sensation delivered formidable grooves, a dignified stage presence and the musical proficiency associated with world music at its finest. Analog Africa raised vibrations here, with a profound and comprehensive setlist, and you were guaranteed more than a twitchy leg. Fortunately, for the world music parasites such as myself, the sounds of the Level stage satisfied the senses for a fair portion of the four-day weekend and seduced passers-by.
The Atrium also churned out some of the best quality acts on the music front. Ruby Rushton and Project Karnak, among other jazz names, gave the festival a run for its money. Residents of Ronnie Scott’s club, Incognito, were positively cooking. Three female vocalists took to the stage delivering bright tonal harmonies with a consistent stage show, and of course, the band were sensational.
Fine dining, nature and the arts are so unorthodox at Wilderness, that naturally, audiences soon become distracted, and the volumes of revellers in any one place are neither here nor there. It came as a surprise at this year’s Wilderness festival, the handfuls of observant music enthusiasts leeching at every opportunity to discover some of the festival’s finest talents, of which there were plenty. But, despite the wildly eclectic line-up, it soon became apparent that the attentions were otherwise lost, what with so much on show.
This was not the case during performances over at the main (stream) stage, however. And impressively, Wilderness provided a VIP platform and easy access for the disabled and hard of hearing, to give clear views of the stage. An enthusiastic male dancer extended above the platform to translate performances through sign and interpretive dance; a concert within a concert, both equally magical, and nobody knew where to look!
Whilst the resilient outdoorsy types took advantage of the festival’s suitably rugged terrain obligated by its environment, several thousand immaculate Instagram followers congregated amongst the brand spanking new-age festival merchants and boozy boutique-tents that were strategically positioned about the place. This was a not-so-wild wilderness (unless of course, you happened to be at the clubbing stages at nightfall) and certainly not so self-sufficient. So, if you are interested in environmental issues but unfazed by penis massage techniques, this is the festival for you.
This week, Radio Mukambo takes you from Germany to Africa with Zik Zak, cd of the week by the German production duo Ancient Astronauts featuring upcoming vocalists and rappers from across Africa and the diaspora. We listen to plenty of new releases & remixes from Brazil, London, Afro-Colombia, Angola, Brussels &…
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, afrobeat’s rise in global popularity in the past decade has unavoidable. But the genre, with a rich history based on instrumental figures such as Fela Kuti, Tony Allen and Oghene Kologbo dating back to the late 60s, is more than a commercial fad….
If you’re looking for an unpredictable night-out in music, look no further. When “Afrobeat Ambassador” Dele Sosimi meets electronic DJ and house producer Medlar, you can be sure that you’ll be dancing and listening to quality music. But you never know where the night will lead you… On Friday the 21st…
At times, we are the first to lose track of how many exciting music events happen in London each month, so we have decided to offer you some sort of “public musical service”, meant for all the locals and passers-by, with the aim of suggesting where to listen to some…
An inaugural festival is always going to be packed with risk and suspense, and after the downpour that Friday night experienced, a breath was held in anticipation of Saturday’s events. However, it is with sheer delight I report that the proceedings seemingly went ahead seamlessly. Saturday I have to jump…
Contrary to the average UK music festival, Wilderness Festival is equally centred on themes of healthy living, nature and the arts. From sacred nipple adorning, to wild swims and tree play, the festival’s main objective is to fortify the soul, restore the senses and enliven the spirit, by allowing its…
The same old Ruby Rushton..? Not this time. Ruby Rushton have released their fourth studio album. Led by Tenderlonius, but including the likes of Nick Walters and Aiden Shepard, they have a history of creating albums that bring together their diverse influences of jazz, spiritual music, hip-hop and international sounds….
The holy trinity of pleasure, music that serves mind, body and soul. Cubafrobeat simultaneously feeds them all. The new Lokkhi Terra and Dele Sosimi collaboration show off jazzy solos to power your intellect, but never detract from the chance to lose yourself to dance. Brought together by pianist Kishon Khan,…
Still cerebrating how to celebrate the last night of 2018 and the first morning of 2019? We are here to help with a selection of some of the best NYE parties happening in London and the rest of UK. Whether you’re willing to spend the 31st December dancing, revelling in…
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