The gut has a lot to do with why I'm in Africa. Firstly, the music is guttoral; it speaks to the heart. At the same time I have had this brooding gut feeling that Africa is the place for me for a decade or longer. A strong affinity with everything African is the result - its people, its ways and its art.
The first couple of weeks here rejuvinated this feeling. I managed to squeeze in a visit to the infamous (new) Shrine to see Femi Kuti. It was just an open rehersal, but even so - jumpin'! Also headed to the Jazzhole, a jazz and funk record shop. Just like London, but compare that to Hyderabad! In between the gym, work, french class routine (boosted by dinner parties and sailing) I picked up info on plays & open gigs, found an amazing coffee table book on Lagos (published by local Glendora), went to a few dinner parties and am off to an art auction tomorrow. The world has finally woken up to the excitement that the cultural scene has to offer, it seems.
Needless to say that all this exciting stuff means I have yet to find a place to live or a car. But what a start to Lagos!
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1 comment:
Nice! Sounds like you're settling in well my friend. Keep us posted on developments at work and any other interesting art you pick up.
Also: I'd like an intro into the kind of west African music you like - which artist is a good primer?
All the best
Anthony
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