Africa Exprez Bill Expands

Roots Manuva, Damon Albarn added

The ongoing Africa Exprez project is set to roll into Paris soon for a spectacular show featuring Damon Albarn, Roots Manuva and many more.

African music seems to have gained a much larger prominence of late. A series of stunning re-issues have opened the dark heart of the continent for all to see, with the funk experiments in Lagos, Congo and Nigeria proving to be inspirational more than thirty years on from their being laid down on tape.

The continent is still churning out superb acts. Take Tinariwen for example, all the awe-inspiring Staff Benda Bilili. Africa Exprez is a new series of concerts that aim to provide a link between African music and Western innovations.

Taking place in Paris on August 5th, the latest in these concerts will feature a huge array of guest performers. Damon Albarn is a long term supporter of African music, having performed with Africa Exprez at the BBC Electric Proms.

The Blur singer will return to the project with a special appearance at the French event. Joining him is a vast array of talent ranging from UK hip hop treasure Roots Manuva to the stunning vocal talents of Patrick Wolf.

Further down the bill are the likes of African duo Amadou & Mariam, The Magic Numbers, Jamie T and many more. The collective are set to perform as part of the headline show at this year’s Festival FNAC Intedendances 2009.

Other acts on the bill include current Mercury nominee Speech Debelle, Ms Dynamite and many more.

The latest update comes as the Africa Exprez concert program prepares to release a new 17-track compilation. ‘Africa Express Presents…’ contains tracks by some of Africa’ most respected artists and has been handpicked by Massive Attack, Elvis Costello and Franz Ferdinand.

The release is available now on CD and DVD exclusively through Puma and Fnac stores, and as a download through Fnac.com and AWAL/iTunes.

Africa Exprez hits Paris on August 5th.

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