"back on the road" from the plains, on a plane, on a train, on a super tram

The volume is at it again. We went out to do a couple of dates in Holland and Germany. Our first show was in Holland for the Moeurs Festival, a very hippie World music shindig that provided us with a Jam improve opportunity with Elliot Bergman a sax player from American Afro Beat outfit NOMO. Next was Africa Festival in Würzburg, Germany. There was a large South African contingent that included a Wine expo, some 2010 World Cup activations and panel discussions on the state of the country. 

Mama Africa

The highlight was definitely a befitting tribute to the late great Miriam Makeba, some of the well-wishers there to eulogize Mama Africa included the powerful Thandiswa Mazwai, the S.A ambassador to Germany (H.E ) Mr S.E Funde (thats my dude by the way, knew my folks and broke down some shit to me about how 1976 was the catalyst that galvanized the youth to get out of the country and go train to fight the Apartheid system). Also relative new comer Camagwini was out there, who is tipped to continue Makeba's legacy on the continent. It must be said, I feel Simphiwe Dana feet are more suited for those sandals. 

Tumi and the Volume Africa Festival. Wurzburg, Germany

One of the most impressive singers to come out of Nigeria, Nneka played before us to an aroused but attentive crowd. This was the third time we were to share a stage with her. I like how raw she is. Solid band, well written songs (note to self: be sure to put as many people on to her music). Our show was great, started a bit slow, new territory, always gotta play hard to get, then by the time yours truly started smiling it was curtains for the Germans, albeit with our substitute sound guy/photographer Romain "the bro'main". 

With Nneka backstage Africa festival. Wurzburg, Germany

After the show we saw Sara Tavares, Dave (bass player for the Volume) and I were not too excited about the couple of songs we heard and the bad sound did not make it better. Our lack of enthusiasm incited a full on backstage debate that included Tiago (guitarist for the Volume), Paulo (drummer for the Volume) and Nneka calling us out and giving us a history lesson on miss Tavares. I am absolutely in love with the music of Mayra Andrade and they told Dave and I, Sara Tavares is the predecessor and creative head master to Mayra. 

With Salif Keita. Franfurt, Germany

We all left to see Salif Keita rock a packed marquee and receive a lifetime achievement award from the Africa Festival, previous recipients included Cameroonian Afro Beat horn player Manu Dibango, the Beninese singer, Angelique Kidjo and Senegalese hip hop group Daara J. The next morning it was home time, I caught a ride to the airport with Mr Salif Keita to the dismay of his chaperon. Not much was said and I attempted to begin conversations which further his escort, I gave up and put it to the language barrier, but not before saying I was the best thing to come out of S.A and he would be lucky to have a picture with me.