|
Event
Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars
Tuesday, April 29
SIERRA LEONE'S REFUGEE ALL-STARS
The group embarks on a world tour on April 3, including performances at the Apollo Theater, The United Nations, Amnesty International's Human Rights Conference AND QC Productions brings them live to Emerald Lounge!
Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars have risen like a phoenix out of the ashes of war and enflamed the passions of fans across the globe with their uplifting songs of hope, faith and joy. The band is a potent example of the redeeming power of music and the ability of the human spirit to persevere through unimaginable hardship and emerge with optimism intact. From their humble beginnings in West African refugee camps Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars have performed on some of the world's most prestigious stages and matured into one of Africa's top touring and recording bands.
Throughout the 1990s, the West African country of Sierra Leone was wracked with a bloody, horrifying war that forced millions to flee their homes. The musicians that would eventually form Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars are all originally from Freetown, and they were forced to leave the capital city at various times after violent rebel attacks. Most of those that left the country made their way into neighboring Guinea, some ending up in refugee camps and others struggling to fend for themselves in the capital city of Conakry.
The band has played in front of enraptured audiences of tens of thousands at New York's Central Park SummerStage, Japan's Fuji Rock Festival and the revered Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. They appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, contributed a song to the Blood Diamond film soundtrack, participated in the U2 tribute album In the Name of Love: Africa Celebrates U2, and earned praise and backing from Sir Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Ice Cube, Angelina Jolie and others inspired by their life-affirming story and captivating music. In one of the most surreal moments of their climb to fame, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars opened for Aerosmith at the 12,000-capacity Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
The senseless deaths and illnesses of friends and family, including some of the band's original members, and the slimming hope for great change in their country as a result of peace, has only strengthened the resolve of Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars to do what they can to turn their country around. Their weapon in this struggle is music, and their message, while offering critique and condemnation of wrongdoing, remains positive and hopeful. Optimism in the face of obstacles, and the eternal hope for a better future motivates their lives and music.
"It's been a long struggle out of the war, out of miserable conditions," notes Koroma, "We try to bring out sensitive issues that are affecting the world. It is all of our responsibility that the masses are suffering. We bring our positive messages into the world so we can expect a positive change in the world. And, most importantly, bring about peace."
The group continued to tour to rapturous crowds, opening for the massive rock/reggae band Dispatch in front of a sold-out audience at Colorado's legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater in June 2011. The All Stars enjoyed an enviable residency on the Jam Cruise, a floating music festival on a Caribbean Cruise ship that also featured Bob Wier, Robert Randolph, Galactic and Maceo Parker. In addition, the band collaborated with a number of artists in 2011, recording the song "Iñez" with singer-songwriter Chris Velan, joining children's music superstar Dan Zanes on the song "Little Nut Tree" and appearing on the Playing for Change version of "Gimme Shelter."
After a 10-year adventure that has taken them from the squalor of refugee camps to the world's biggest stages, Africa's most inspirational band continues to ascend. Over the years they have evolved to become one of Africa's most recognized bands with fans across the globe. Their albums and live shows embodies and radiates the joy, passion for music and love for their fellow man that have made Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit and an inspiration to hundreds of thousands of people across the globe.
Album Preview Stream: https://soundcloud.com/cumbancha/sierra-leones-refugee-all-1
Free Song Download: http://store.cumbancha.com/track/gbaenyama-free-download
iTunes Pre-Order Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/libation/id806001673?ls=1
|
|
 |
LocationEmerald Lounge (View)
112 N. Lexington Ave.
Asheville, NC 28801
United States
Categories
Contact
|
