Le Guess Who? festival 2019 - includes music from Africa

Le Guess Who?, a festival that is dedicated to showcasing boundary-crossing music from all over the world, questions the existing and embraces the unknown. The 13th edition of Le Guess Who? takes place from 7-10 November 2019 in Utrecht, The Netherlands, and will feature a curated program by Malian trailblazing musician and actress Fatoumata Diawara. As a curator, Diawara will contribute to the festival by presenting a range of her inspirations and like-minded artists, and she will also perform live at the festival herself. Malian actress and Grammy-nominated musician Fatoumata Diawara has been universally praised as one of Africa’s most trailblazing and outspoken voices. Growing up in the Wassoulou region, she experienced stifling traditions and the oppression of women. In her music, Diawara addresses fierce political topics, fighting for the rights of women and children in her homeland. Diawara’s curated program will focus on artists related to afrocubism and afrofuturism. Afrocubism refers to the cross-pollination of Malinian and Cuban musicians. Ayalèw Mesfin (Ethiopië): Quintessential Ethio-groove performer Ayalèw Mesfin has joined forces with the renowned US-based ensemble Debo band for his first European live performance ever, and in truth, few collaborations make more sense. Mesfin’s music rebelled vigorously against Ethiopia’s dictatorial oppression of the 70s and, like many of his contemporaries, he struggled against obscurity amidst political turmoil. Distributing 4000 cassettes for free - later becoming collector’s items - led to several months in jail for Mesfin and a prohibition to play music for 13 years.

leguesswho?-line-up tivolivredenburg