Two Legendary African groups performed free
concerts at Seattle Center to celebrate the
12th Birthday of Rakumi Arts. South Africa's Mahotella
Queens performed on August 14th, and Koo Nimo from Ghana
his Akoma group, along with Kalass played on the 24th. The
following article previewed that concert.
Legendary South African group the Mahotella
Queens return to Seattle for the first time in many years, presented
by Rakumi Arts, in celebration of Rakumi's 12th birthday. The three
singers in the Mahotella Queens, Hilda Tloubatla, Mildred Mangxola,
and Nobesuthu Mbadu, have been a major force in South African music
since the 1960's, with their powerfully propulsive dance music style,
called "mbaqanga". With the release of an excellent new album, "Sebai
Bai", a great new backing band, and international touring in Europe
and the US, the Mahotella Queens will be in fine form to celebrate
with Rakumi Arts. Opening the show will be the Seattle based Senegalese
drummer, Mapathe Diop, and his traditional percussion group. And
it's free! The concert will be at Seattle Center's Mural Amphitheatre,
starting at 6PM.
