Event
Maisha Productions Presents Africa Rising... feat. JEAN-PIERRE SIMONS (
Africa Rising! Features Legendary JEAN-PIERRE SIMONS from Cameroon
Africa is the motherland. Besides being the cradle of civilization, the continent is also the foundation of culture. On Oct 2nd at Coda jazz supperclub, Maisha Productions celebrates Africa and its cultural heritage with Africa Rising!, a showcase of African music and Africa-inspired art.
Hosted by Emmanuel Nado (KKUP's "Echoes of Africa"; KALW's "Africa Mix"), the event features art by Githinji Wa Mbire, an Oakland-based painter and installation artist whose mixed-media creations revolve around an African theme. Githinji's works, using wood, paper, canvas, oil paint, and other materials, all have one thing in common: the iconic, familiar shape of the African continent. By spotlighting different facets of Africa—everything from Brazilian soccer star Pele to Michael Jackson—Githinji goes beyond a surface view to reveal a deeper meaning to the culture of the African Diaspora. The effect is one of immediacy, resonance, and connection.
The evening features a very special JEAN-PIERRE SIMONS is an international artist from Cameroon by way of Paris, France. His music experiences began early in life, performing at annual school and community feasts. At 15, he formed a band and used all of his free time endeavoring in music composition and song writing. In 1974, he joined a semi-professional orchestra playing for feasts and marriages. Later selected as lead vocalist in the junior college band, "Lycée Polyvalent's Band", Jean-Pierre also performed regularly at weekly jam sessions sponsored by the French Cultural Center in Douala. He was voted " Best New Artist" for four consecutive weeks. This became the catalyst for his professional career.
Jean-Pierre's big break came in 1977 when he was contracted to perform as lead vocalist at "CLUB LA JUNGLE", a renowned Cameroon area hot spot. A " LA JUNGLE" regular for four years, in 1981 Jean-Pierre travelled to Europe and accepted the honor to matriculate at "L'ECOLE NORMALE DE MUSIQUE ALFRED CORTOT", a prestigious Parisian conservatory on Boulevard Malesherbes. There, he studied harmony, Solfeggio and later endeavored in arranging.
Africa Rising! also features a set of African music infused with live instrumentation by Maisha Productions President DJ Jeremiah and the Afrobeat Nation. A native of Liberia, DJ Jeremiah spent three and a half years in a refugee camp in Cote D'Ivoire. He began his DJ career by playing music to lift the spirits of his fellow refugees, many of which were orphans suffering from the pains of civil war, strife, and political violence. Since relocating to San Francisco, Jeremiah has established himself as the region's premier Afrobeat and soukous DJ, co-creating the AfroFunk Festival and opening up for international stars such as Femi Kuti and Salief Keita.
Africa Rising! promises to be a night of incredible music, amazing art – and undeniable cultural authenticity.
Maisha Productions Presents: Africa Rising! Featuring: JEAN-PIERRE SIMONS (Cameroon Oakland) DJ Jeremiah and Afrobeat Nation (Liberia/San Francisco) Art by Githinji Wa Mbire (Kenya/Oakland) Host: Emmanuel Nado (KKUP/KALW) Saturday Oct 2nd, 9:30 pm-2am, Coda, 1710 Mission St. San Francisco; $10
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LocationCoda
1710 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
United States
Categories
| Minimum Age: 21 |
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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