The Apollo Theatre to Premiere AFRICA NOW! SOUTH AFRICA, 10/9

By: Matt Smith Sep. 18, 2014

The Apollo Theater, in partnership with World Music Institute, presents Africa Now! South Africa, the third installment of the their annual Africa Now! Festival. In recognition of the country's dynamic and diverse culture and in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's inauguration, this season's festival will spotlight today's contemporary South African music scene and Harlem's enduring cultural and social relationship with the country. Featuring a suite of artistic programming and an array of unique artists, Africa Now! South Africa will provide a holistic experience for audiences with presentations on the Apollo's mainstage and soundstage.

The festival is anchored by a blowout concert featuring a new generation of South African artists: The Soil, an award-winning a cappella group known for their Kasi Soul blend of rhythmic vocal bass lines, beat-boxing and sublime harmonies; Simphiwe Dana, a popular Xhosa singer and songwriter who fuses traditional music with jazz, Afro-soul, R&B and hip hop; and Tumi Molekane, the socially conscious hip hop artist, formerly of Tumi and the Volume, who will make his U.S. debut.

This year's Festival will also include an Apollo Uptown Hall: The Harlem/South Africa Connection panel discussion featuring leading social and political voices including the legendary social activist and actor Harry Belafonte and former New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins; a South African themed family workshop with artist and designer Vickie Frémont; a panel discussion with participating artists as part of the Apollo's educational Live Wire series; and other events.

"With our partners at the iconic Apollo Theater, we are thrilled to kick off the 2014-15 season with 'Africa Now! South Africa,' part of a city-wide celebration of South African music. Our festival stands out by showcasing the post-Apartheid generation of socially-conscious fresh young artists who are now shaping their country: the Xhosa singer/songwriter Simphiwe Dana; rapper/poet Tumi Molekane in his American debut; and the uplifting a cappella group, The Soil."

- Karen Sander, World Music Institute Artistic and Executive Director

"We are excited to present this season's bold and exciting Africa Now! Festival. This year we will proudly explore South Africa's vibrant and diverse culture through performance, discussion, film and more. As the birthplace of some of some of the world's most influential leaders and artists, we wanted to provide an outlet into this artistically rich country."

- Mikki Shepard, Apollo Theater Executive Producer

The four-day music Festival will take place during Carnegie Hall's UBUNTU: Music and Arts of South Africa, and is part of a citywide celebration of the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's inauguration.

Tickets are $45, $35, $25; Premium tickets are $55. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through the Apollo Theater Box Office, (125 St. between 7 and 8 Ave.), (212) 531-5305 and Ticketmaster, (800) 745 3000,www.ticketmaster.com.

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