Last bank holiday Monday-27th August 2012, I attended the Africa Unplugged Concert expecting to see a great show… and it certainly did not disappoint.
The aim of the organizers was to host the biggest African concert and bring together the biggest African gathering ever in Europe. Well it was certainly well hyped to do achieve that aim. There were nearly 20 acts billed to perform from all over Africa, and it was all in support of two key African charities, Save the Congo and War Child.
The host of the night was Congolese born, UK-based star comedian Eddie Kadi, who got things off to a flying start with his stereotypical African phrases and mannerisms that are very funny yet very familiar, and he got the party started with an impromptu performance of his own, with the help of two dancers.
New Nigerian RnB sensation Iyanya then continued the rhythmic tribal dancing, at one point whipping off his shirt while gyrating in rhythm with his female dancers.
The most authentic, perhaps stereotypically African artist was Madtraxx from Kenya whose music was accentuated by melodic drumming. The music then seemed to switch from Africa to the Caribbean as Zimbabwean artist Winky D belted out some Jamaican riddim-type music.