Acoustic Africa

Join an exhilarating musical journey that focuses on the richness of the African guitar tradition. The concert includes Habib Koité, the Malian superstar whose exciting concerts have endeared him to audiences worldwide; Oliver Mtukudzi, the best-selling artist in his home country of Zimbabwe; and Afel Bocoum, a guitarist, singer, and composer from Mali whose songs evoke the evolution of traditional Malian society.

As the spokesperson for Acoustic Africa puts it, “our vision is intra-African arts collaboration. This tour is a lovely expression of the finest African singer-songwriters from different traditions undertaking an extraordinary musical journey – the concert comes home to Africa, bringing together these wondrous musicians and audiences from many African traditions. It’s a great feeling to belong” (Artslink). More Information

20 Replies to “Acoustic Africa”

  1. The Acoustic Africa concert was a wonderful event – the music was hypnotic, soulful, and positive. It was great to see how Habibe, Oliver and Afel worked together, their spirit of warmth and generosity was beautiful to see and experience.

  2. I LOVED THE CONCERT! The energy, artistic mastery, and generosity of the musicians was nutritious and delicious! I really appreciate the Fine Art Center for bringing such a beautiful show to Amherst. I feel inspired and so very grateful. Thank you!

  3. Living in the Pioneer Valley for nearly 30 years I have noticed that world music of this caliber has decreased steadily over the years. It was heartening to see old friends at the concert hall and young inspired faces beaming from the crowd.

  4. The chill of the outside disappeared as we were all taken in (and warmed) by the magic of their music. The sounds were fantastic. I loved watching them work together and seeing the obvious affection they have for each other. Their respect for each other’s musicianship was evident and a joy to witness. My young son stayed up too late on a school night, but I was thrilled to have him hear these special musicians. Thanks!

  5. The music was absolutely great. What was very frustrating was there were no introductions nor was the format explained. So at first, I did not know if I was listening to one band with one of the featured performers, two of the featured performers or what! Once. I figured who the featured performs were, I did not know who or what country they represented because of no introductions..
    .Still don’t. .very unprofessional on your part. I also thought the sound was muddy back in section 6,particularly the bass drum…washed out. I sover down to do some dancing in the and thought the sound reproduction was much better..thanks for the opposite to comment…Joe LoMonaco.

  6. Acoustic Africa was a penetrating, soulful, inspiring show! I have loved these three musicians for some time, and to have them share a stage, and a multidimensional concert, with each other and us in the audience, was so fantastic. Thank you!

  7. Wonderful concert – a real gathering of superstars in this genre. I wish the performers had been properly introduced, though. I think this was an oversight. I still don’t know “who’s who.”

  8. They were amazing! Besides being fabulous musicians, these guys know how to have fun.

  9. the best – did I say that already – the best. Africa is alive musically (its a “big continent” you know). I’ll be there anytime you offer more African musicians. With great dancing rhythms, beautiful singing, masterful at their instruments, and speaking their hearts, these musicians filled many a heart, a foot, a mind an ear, certainly Mir’s and mine last night. Thanks a lot. Michael Pollitt

  10. Best concert we have attended in a long while…felt joyful, humorous, happy
    I felt as though I was in the 70’s again!

    Loved watching them work it with each other
    simple delightful

  11. Best concert we have attended in a long time…I felt as though I was in the 70’s vibe again! we felt happy, joyous, humor. Loved watching the performers “working it” with each other. SIMPLY DELIGHTFUL

  12. Acoustic Africa was a wonderful, uplifting, fun show! Not knowing African music I have enjoyed these three musicians stage presence and collaboration. The verity of musical instruments and arrangements were captivating! A great evening at the Fine Art Center

  13. It was the best, the best, the best. So diverse in their offerings, so skilled, so lyrical, so beautiful. It soothed my soul.

  14. Such a joyous and uplifting night. Thank you Oliver, Habib, and Afel, and your terrific band! You had everyone smiling and got lots of folks dancing….

  15. Wonderful show. I loved the rhythms, the repetitions and the amazing African voices. So easy to listen to.

  16. Great show and wonderful variety of instruments. The sound was great near the front. Visually this theatre is a dump compared to Troy Music Hall, where we saw the last acoustic Africa show several years ago. Possibly the ugliest theatre I’ve ever been inside.

  17. We had a wonderful night in celebration of our father’s birthday! The performance was superb! We danced in our seats to the wonderful rhythms from Mali and Zimbabwe !!I have raised my children listening to the music of Habib Koite and Oliver Mtukudzi- I play it all the time. My 10 year old son was with us at the concert and I would whisper to him – do you recognize this song? and he would shake his head \yes\! This music is \in \ him!!! Thank you Habib, Oliver, Afel and the great band!! Your music inspires us to feel joy, happiness and peace!

  18. Fabulous concert! I took my 10 year old son who plays guitar and we were both blown away! Loved the joy of the musicians, the rhythms, the dancing audience. Wish they had introduced each other and gave us a chance to appreciate each member.

Comments are closed.