NYS Music 2023

Tag: African music

  • Lineup Revealed For Inaugural AfroCruise

    Rock The Bells, AfroFuture, AfroVerse and Sixthman festivals have announced the first-ever AfroCruise which will sail from Miami, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas. The cruise will depart on March 29, 2024 and will arrive on April 1. The multi-day event will feature performances from some of the biggest African artists and will also showcase African and diasporic culture through food and fashion. 

    Linking together travel, live music, and a cultural celebration, the AfroCruise is one of the first events of its kind. Hosted on the Norwegian Pearl, the celebration still possesses all of the amenities and elements normal to an extravagant cruise ship. Attendees will have access to the boat’s fully stocked bars, dining options, pools, casino, spa, fitness center, and more. 

    Amongst the hustle and bustle of a standard cruise, the event also boasts an impressive roster of performing artists. Headlined by Nigeria’s Adekunle Gold and Ayra Starr, AfroCruise gives guests the opportunity to experience some of the best music from all over the world. The aim is to fully immerse attendees into the sounds and sensibilities of Afrobeats and Amapiano music. 

    Ayra Starr

    AfroCruise will also feature multiple different cultural events and workshops. In addition to traditional cruise ship tournaments and activities, there will also be an event focused on the African rice dish Jollof, a West African BBQ, and several different themed parties. 

    Rock The Bells was founded in 2018 by acclaimed rapper LL Cool J and Geoff Yang. The organization creates content and experiences within hip-hop culture. Together, with their partners Afrofuture, AfroVerse and Sixthman festivals, the collective looks to create an event that celebrates and encapsulates contemporary African and Disaporic culture. Click here for reservations and more details

    Artist Lineup

    Adekunle Gold

    Ayra Starr

    Black Sherif

    The Compozers

    Juls

    Mayorkun

    Naira Marley

    Spinall

    Teni

    Uncle Waffles

    Zinoleesky

  • Maria Muldaur, Taj Mahal And Sona Jobarteh To Perform At The Egg

    The Empire State Plaza’s Center for the Performing Arts, or The Egg, recently announced that Maria Muldaur, Taj Mahal and Sona Jobarteh would all be joining the Albany venue’s 2023-24 programming. Muldaur is scheduled to perform on Sept. 15 with Taj Mahal and Jobarteh stopping by on March 7, 2024. 

    The Egg is a state-owned entity created to bring quality artists and performances to New Yorkers. Besides music, the venue showcases several forms of art including dance, comedy, film, and theater. Originally constructed in 1978, The Egg features two theaters and can comfortably house over 1,400 visitors. 

    Since its inception, the venue has attracted some of the biggest names in arts and entertainment. Past performers include Roger McGuinn, Chaka Khan, Dave Chappelle, Eric Burdon, Margaret Cho, and Buddy Guy. 

    Maria Muldaur- September 15, 7:30 PM 

    Making music for over 55 years, American folk/roots artist Maria Muldaur became a household name thanks to her 1973 hit song “Midnight at the Oasis”.  Released as a single, the track received a Grammy nomination and has since become one of the quintessential songs in the genre. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the bubbly and infectious tune, she will perform the song along with the help of the Red Hot Bluesiana Band. Together, the two will showcase some of Muldaur’s classic blues, country, folk, swing, and pop offerings. The performance will also include some of the artist’s collaborative work with the Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Tuba Skinny, and Taj Mahal. Here for tickets and information about the performance at The Egg.

    Taj Mahal & Sona Jobarteh- March 7, 7:30 PM 

    Taj Mahal has established himself as one of the world’s premier blues musicians throughout his extensive career. The Harlem-born artist is known for melding together the sounds of traditional American blues with elements from the Caribbean, Africa, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Originally rising to prominence in the 1960s, Taj has earned three Grammy awards and ten nominations. In 2014 he was awarded the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. 

    Sona Jobarteh is a Gambian singer, composer, and instrumentalist credited for being a master of the Kora stringed instrument. With her diverse and ethereal sound Jobarteh has been hailed as one of the biggest upcoming stars in world music. Blending traditional West African, blues, pop, and even afro beats, Jobarteh has amassed fans from all over the globe. Here for tickets and information about the performance.

    To check out The Egg’s full schedule of performances click here.