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Under African skies: celebrating our amazing African performers

2 giraffes in Africa

Prime Minister Theresa May isn’t the only person who has been discovering the diversity and depth of African destinations. Africa is a top destination on many holidaymaker’s wish lists, and with over 18.5million visitors in 2017, many are making that dream come true.

According to a survey by Euromonitor,

“International arrivals to Sub-Saharan Africa will reach 25 million, thanks to competitive rates, aggressive marketing campaigns and improved air connectivity connecting the region with major markets overseas.”

Add the estimated 2.3million people living in the UK of Sub-Saharan and north African birth, and that’s a huge number of people interested in the sights, sounds and cultures of Africa.

So, why not make the most of that growing interest with authentic African entertainment from Matters Musical for your festival, sporting event, product launch, themed party, opening ceremony, shopping or food event, or just for fun at your own birthday party!

Here’s our lion’s share of the African acts you can book direct with us. Or call us with your requirements and we’ll put together a package of entertainment to delight, entertain and engage any audience.

 

African acrobats

African acrobat groups combine the athleticism and skill of circus acrobatics with the energy and grace of traditional dance. Always exciting to watch, our acrobats create pyramids and towering shapes with their bodies that defy gravity, and leave audiences holding their breath with anticipation. From school and local communities events to large scale corporate functions, African acrobats always put a smile on everyone’s faces.

African Acrobatic Pyramid Troupe

African Acrobatic Pyramid Troupe

Bantu African Acrobatic Group

Bantu African Acrobatic Group

Simbas Acrobats

Simbas Acrobats

African dancers and drummers

African drumming and dancing go hand in hand; it’s almost impossible to have one without the other! Our performers will get your your audience or guests to the feet with the fascinating beats and rhythms of African drumming, and the mesmeric and joyous dance moves that look so easy until you try them!

Oduduwa Talking Drummers

Talking drums are a traditional art form of the Yoruba people of Nigeria. where the drum mimics the human voice. Once heard, never forgotten, our talented talking drum troupe also offer workshops for all ages and abilities.

Ayan De First & Oduduwa Talking Drummers

Imbube UK Drummers & Dancers

One of our most popular African dance acts, this group offers traditional Zulu drumming, dancing and chanting for almost any event you care to imagine, including festivals, weddings, football matches and flash mob events!

Imbube UK Drummers & Dancers

Majuba Zulu Drummers & Dancers

Founded by members of the legendary band Ipi Tombi, this group perform traditional South African and Zulu dances, with authentic accompaniment from drummers. Accomplished, visually appealing and ideal for a wide variety of events, from conferences to community events.

Majuba Zulu Drummers & Dancers

Takaleed Arabic Drummers

Not all our acts are from sub-Saharan Africa! Led by master drummer, singer and multi-instrumentalist Abdelkader Saadoun, the Takaleed drummers play traditional North African percussion including hadjoudj, bendir, derbouka, tambourine and djembe.

Takaleed Arabic Drummers

African kora players

Our specialist kora players have trained at the highest levels and delight in bringing the distinctive sounds of their homelands to a new audience.

Jali Fily Cissokho

Fily is a Senegalese kora player and praise singer (griot) of “exquisite finesse”.

Jali Fily Cissokho

Kadialy Kouyate

Kadialy Kouyate is a virtuoso on the Mandinka kora, a traditionally African, harp-like instrument with 21 strings, played in a style similar to a Flamenco guitar.

Kadialy Kouyate

Sura Susso

Kora player Sura is from a family of Gambian groits, or praise singers. Griots are orators, lyricists and musicians who are also respected as a source of advice and spiritual guidance.

Sura Susso

The whole package deal!

Not sure what style of African entertainment to pick? Why not have the lot!

Pan-African Entertainers

This UK based group offer the lot: African dance and drumming performances, Kora playing, acrobatics, fire eating, live bands, interactive workshops, the lot.

Pan-African Entertainers

Zulu Entertainers

Pure entertainment beginning to end, this talented troupe offer an enthralling blend of traditional South African music with high-energy, athletic dance, all in traditional costume.

Zulu Entertainers

Not seen exactly what you want?

Call us! We have created bespoke acts for a variety of events, and can bring together unique fusion acts that cross over musical traditions and cultural boundaries.