We recently checked out Africa Oye’s incredible Blick Bassy showcase at The Philharmonic Music Room and WOW — what a powerful event it was! The supremely talented Cameroonian singer-songwriter, lauded by The Guardian and BBC 6 Music, performed his 1958 album — the first in a trilogy of Africa Oye gigs this year.
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Liverpool’s award winning African culture festival, Africa Oye, brought Blick Bassy to the city ahead of their Mulatu Astatke show at 24 Kitchen Street and their Hailu Mergia show at Future Yard (both Ethio-Jazz events). The musical genius and multi-instrumentalist put on a masterclass, as we were taken on a journey through his country’s revolution.
To keep up to date with Africa Oye events CLICK HERE!
Bassy talked us through the story of his 1958 album — explaining how Cameroon struggled for independence from the British and French colonists. Poignantly, Bassy performs the album in his country’s native tongue and through his songs he pays homage to those who fought and died for their independence. Such was the power of the performance, the audience could feel the emotion of the story despite the language being completely difference.
To keep up to date with Africa Oye events CLICK HERE!
The performance was indeed spine tingling, as Bassy caressed his guitar gracefully, sang beautifully and introduced an array of instruments and vocal sounds. His haunting and moving showcase was a spinetingling extravaganza that had the audience enthralled from start to finish and trumpet and keyboard maestro, Alexis Anerilles, complemented Bassy perfectly.
To keep up to date with Africa Oye events CLICK HERE!
An incredible show and another triumph for Africa Oye, Blick Bassy came to Liverpool ahead of their 30th Anniversary celebrations in 2022, with more events due to take place across the city region. Their flagship festival in Sefton Park is scheduled to return after what will be a two-year absence due to the pandemic.
Blick Bassy / The Philharmonic Music Room / 19th September 2021
To keep up to date with Africa Oye events CLICK HERE!
Images courtesy of P3DRO — check out his website HERE!
