The African Soul Rebels are back to the UK. The 4th installment of the hugely successful African Soul Rebels UK tour promises to be the finest yet. From Mali to Nigeria, the 2008 line up brings together some of Africa's greatest musical names: Salif Keita, Tony Allen and Awadi.
 
Opening the show is Didier Awadi - the most prominent artist to have emerged from Africa's francophone rap scene. He has established himself as a pioneer, working as a leader for the group Positive Black Soul, to become one of the few African rap artists hip enough to record with influential figures like KRS 1. Awadi has fed the traditional culture of his ancestors into his dynamic rap, creating a music based on genuine roots and consciousness raising messages.

Salif Keita is one of the true giants of Malian music. He first came to fame with the Rail Band, a musical institution in Bamako. His sensational recent return to form on record and stage reflects a return to his roots whilst maintaining a skilful blend of Cuban and African elements and an eclectic mix of influences from R&B to funk.

Tony Allen, drummer and unofficial music director of the late Fela Kuti's band Africa 70, is the man who put the beat into Afrobeat, a style that has impacted club culture from the acid jazz years to deep house. With his solo recordings Tony has refused to stand still, incorporating dub and avant-garde hip-hop influences into his modern African dance music. He is a self taught musician whose genius brought the world the Afrobeat rhythm.

18 Feb – Barbican: London
21 Feb – Lighthouse: Poole
22 Feb – The Anvil: Basingstoke
23 Feb – De Montfort Hall: Leicester
24 Feb – Philharmonic Hall: Liverpool
25 Feb – Bridgewater Hall: Manchester
26 Feb – The Sage: Gateshead

Related news: African Soul Rebels Tour 2008 featuring Salif Keita, Tony Allen and Awadi

Salif Keita photo by Lucy Reiboz