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Hugh Masekela copyright Griot GmbH
GRIOT ARTISTS ON TOUR 2011/2012 - ALL ARTISTS
SEE ALL HERE BELOW OR LISTED BY CATEGORY: SOUTH AFRICA JAZZ
WORLD SPECIAL PROJECTS
HUGH MASEKELA THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC LEGEND
Hugh Masekela Griot copyright Griot GmbH
Hugh Masekela has covered the globe and played with just about every top star you can think of - Masekela wrote anumber of international hits and sold several million CDs..The single 'Grazing in the Grass' topped the Rolling Stones' Jumping Jack Flash in the US charts (and brought him a Grammy).  His hit "Bring Him Back Home"ugh Masekela became the anthem for Nelson Mandala's world tour following his release from prison. His recent albums have all gone platinum.  "The man with the horn" is a living legend, a genius musician and great performer who is even getting better in his "old days".
And Hugh Masekela is more up to date than ever !
He opened both - the kick of concert and the opening ceremeony of the world cup in South Africa worldwide on TV. All concerts in 2010 were incredible events - he was celebretad in Oslo in front of 80 000 people as well as in the Carnegie Hall and the Royal Festival Hall ... all sold out. A number of new CDs came on the market. In 2011 he wil not only come with his band, but also with a number of new productions like "Celebrate Mama Afrika". 
Tour periods 2011: summer including August and October November. Exclusive territory: Europe.
Traveling Party: 11
CELEBRATE MAMA AFRIKA THE SOUTH AFRICAN TRIBUTE TO  
MAMA AFRIKA 
Thandiswa copyright Griot Gmbh Hugh Masekela copyright Griot GmbH A unique and authentic musical tribute to Mama Afrika
by and with Hugh Masekela

Line up: 
Hugh Masekela & the Hugh Masekela Band
Vusi Mahlasela
The Mahotella Queens 
Zolani Mahola (lead singer Freshlyground) Thandiswa.
On special occasions we can add:
The original Miriam Makeba choir (in co-operation with BPR)
Angelique Kidjo (in co-operation with V.O.Music).
Zolani Mahola copyright Griot GmbH Vusi Mahlasela copyright Griot GmbH The show is a tribute to the beauty of the African continent and it´s people and contains the most beautiful songs that became famous all over the world thanks to the great and unforgettable Miriam Makeba. "Celebrate Mama Afrika" had it´s permier at the
Rio Loco Festival this summer and we are looking forward to sending you a DVD if you are interested to book this outstanding event.
The Mahotella Queens copyright Griot GmbH PS: GRIOT toured the late Miriam Makeba fopr several years under direction of BPR. Please find more information about Celebrate Mama Afrika by clicking on Miriam Makeba´s image.      Miriam Makeba copyright Griot GmbH and BPR
Tour periods 2011/2012: summer and autumn.  Exclusive territory: the world. Traveling party: 15 (12 on stage)
BOMBINO AGADEZ  - THE MUSIC AND THE REBELLION
Bombino copyright Rony Wyman and Griot GmbH
 Omar Moctar - Bombino - is known as one of the great guitar players and performers in the Sahel regions and has a cult like following. Bombino`s  new CD "Agadez" will be available  in 2011 on Cumbancha Records. Produced by Ron Wyman and Omara Moctar it was recorded in Agadez, Niger and Cambridge, MA.

ZeroGravity features Bombino in a documentary about the Tuareg Culture of the Sahara Desert.  Watch the Trailer here.
Or see Bombino perform "Tar Hani" live.
Tour periods 2011: end of March, May/June - second half of July first half of August and end of October into November Exclusive territory: Europe. Traveling Party: 5




THE MAHOTELLA QUEENS
 THE WORLD´s OLDEST GIRLSBAND
Mahotella Queens copyright Mahothella Queens and Griot GmbH South Africa´s legendary Mahotella Queens: Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Mbadu and Mildred Mangxola are indeed queens - The Mahotella Queens - 3 doyennes, who since the mid-sixties, have been singing, dancing and selling-out shows worldwide.
What is still making them so special ...
Maybe 40-plus years of performing together, that makes it seem that these sisters have been doing it forever!  As Hilda says:

“I guess we are true musicians – born musicians – we’re talented! We`ve got the spirit of true musicians, hence we know how to go about a song… how to do a song, like with “Town Hall” [a song we know how to sing]… & people ask, how do you do it, how do you start, cos we don’t see anyone doing a sign to say now we’re going to do this…? Its in us… we’ve been together for a long time, hence we know exactly what to do..”
Tour periods 2011: summer and autumn. Exclusive territory: Europe. Traveling Party: 9




MOZULUART ZULU MUSIC MEETS MOUART
MoZuluArt copyright Griot GmbH

"If Mozart was still alive he would have been proud to see two cultures meeting together to celebrate his music and bringing it to an audience that never imagined that one day they will be sitting, nodding their heads and tapping their feet to his compositions..."

MoZuluArt caused a sensation when they first appeared in 2006 and opened the "Festwochen" in Vienna performing together with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra in front of several hundred thousand people and live on TV. MoZuluArt will go on tour with a string quartet with musicians from the Vienna Symphony Orchestra - their album has just been released in Europe by Universal Music
All concerts in the last three years ended with standing ovations !

New Album: An African Christmas with MoZuluArt
(Universal Music). 
Tour periods 2011: main booking period summer – but MoZuluArt will tour all year long !
Exclusive territory: the world. Traveling party: 9




FRESHLYGROUND
SOUTH  AFRICA`S MOST POPULAR BAND
Freshylground copyright Griot GmbH Highlights 2006-20010: Support act for Robbie Williams and support for the Oscar movie “Tsotsi“ at the Cannes film festival.  "European MTV Award" for "Best African Act".
Performance with B.B. King in Paris. The second album "Nomvula" reaches 7 times platinum sales and Doo Be Doo becomes the most played single in South Africa.
Third album "Ma Chéri" reaches platinum within a few days. Freshlyground voted & awarded "Best Band" by South African audiences (Metro FM Award). Freshlyground nominated in seven categories for South African Music Awards - winning four categories & winning Album of the Year and Best Band 2008.
Freshlyground sings and performs the official FiFa anthem "Waka Waka" together with Shakira. Fourth Album "Radio Africa" out now.
Tour periods 2011: summer and on request. Exclusive territory: Europe. Traveling party: 12




SWR BIG BAND & THEMBA MKHIZE
 SHOSHOLOZA
SWR Big Band and Themba Mkhize copyright Grot GmbH

SWR Big Band is simply one of the best big bands in the world:  three recent Grammy nominations - 2002, 2003 and 2004 - underline their international reputation. For 2010 they are nominated for a Grammy again - category "best large jazz ensemble album". In it´s more than fifty years musical history SWR Big Band worked with musical guests like Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Chat Baker, Slide Hampton and many others. Most recent guests have been Paula Morelenbaum, Patti Austin. Toshiko Akiyosh and Sammy Nestico.

Tour periods Themba Mkhize and SWR Big Band plus star guests: before and after 23 July 2011
Exclusive territory "Shosholoza": the world. Traveling party: 28




REGINA CARTER
US VIOLIN STAR PRESENTS
"REVERSE THREAD"
Regina Carter copyright Griot GmbH
 “Regina Carter creates music that is wonderfully listenable, probingly intelligent and, at times, breathtakingly daring…taking the listener into the future of jazz.”
Time Magazine

Regina Carter has repeatedly toured throughout the world, was the first jazz artist and African American to play Niccolo Paganini’s famed Guarneri “Cannon” violin, has been featured with several symphony orchestras and performed with artists as diverse as Aretha Franklin, Lauryn Hill, Billy Joel, Wynton Marsalis, Casandra Wilson, and Mary J. Blige. Her collaborative album "Freefall" with Kenny Barron was nominated for a Grammy.
 
Regina Carter, one of the most popular contempoary violinists in modern music, further reveals her diverse musical personality with the upcoming release "Reverse Thread" — a celebration of traditional African music with a modern perspective.
Tour periods: 07-20 April 2011, 10/11/12 June, end of July into August 2011 and end of October into November 2011
Exclusive territory: GAS and F  Traveling party: 7 (5 musicians on stage)




KISSMET TRIPPIN `THE LIFE FANTASTIC
Kissmet copyright Kissmet and Griot GmbH A spellbinding blend of Bhangra (Punjabi folki music from India) and Rock (Led Zeppelin, Cream) which takes audiences on a roller coaster ride from the East to the West an back again, leaving them breathless, exhausted and brimming with positive energy and the feel good factor. The Singh brothers, singing in 4 different languages with a variety of Eastern and Western instrumentation, have to be seen to be believed …

SONGLINES about "Trippin`the Life Fantastic and Kissmet live: 

"Possibly the perfect rock crossover album ....
Put togerher like the perfect live set, you can almost smell the mud, incense and sweat of the festival crowds, where Kissmet has a forged an unrivalled live reputation" 
Tour periods: summer and autumn 2011. Exclusive territory: Europe - booking the world. Traveling party: 8
(6 musicians on stage)
CHIWONISO REBEL WOMAN
Chiwoniso copyright Cumbancha records and Griot GmbH Zimbabwe's Chiwoniso performs entrancing and uplifting songs with ancient soul and modern spirit. Backed by the mesmerizing interlocking melodies of the mbira and the deep grooves of an all-star lineup featuring some of Zimbabwe and South Africa's top musicians, Chiwoniso's voice resounds with defiant strength and profound tenderness.

With a sound that recalls the fire of Angelique Kidjo, the inspiration of Oliver Mtukudzi, the rebellion of Thomas Mapfumo and the soul of India.Aire, Chiwoniso is one of the most exciting talents in African music today.

"Rebel Woman" is available worldwide (Cumbancha Records).
“A real woman with a touch of the magical.” “Brilliantly produced.” “With all eyes on Zimbabwe’s leader Robert Mugabe as he battles his way through a post-election mess, this might be just the right release at the right time.” (Folk Roots)
Tour periods 2011: summer + November acoustic tour. Exclusive territory: Europe.
Traveling party: 9  (acoustic tour  4)
VUSI MAHLASELA THE VOICE PRESENTS "SAY AFRICA"
Vusi Mahlasela copyright Griot GmbH Vusi Mahlasela, is simply known as "'The Voice" in his home-country, South Africa, celebrated for his distinct, powerful voice and his poetic, optimistic lyrics. His songs of hope connect Apartheid-scarred South Africa with its promise for a better future. 

Vusi Mahlasela will present his new album "Say Africa" on tour. The album was produced by Taj Mahal and will be realeased in January 2011.

„Vusi Mahsasela sings as a bird does, in total response to being alive. Vusi’s music is here to stir and delight us. He is a national treasure“ (Nadine Gordimer)dt muecke@griot
Tour periods: May/June/July and October 2011. Exclusive territory: GAS. Traveling party: 1-6
VIEUX FARKA TOURE FONDO
Vieux Farka Toure copyright Griot GmbH

Having a famous dad can be more of a curse than a blessing. For every Barry Bonds or Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, both of whom overtook their fathers in the family business, there are thousands of sons who follow their dads with little success. (Franz Xaver Mozart, anyone?) But Vieux Farka Touré, the son of the great Malian guitarist Ali Farka Touré, has already stepped out from his late father’s shadow. Ali Farka Touré proved – in case anyone ever doubted it – that the soul of the blues could be found in West Africa. His son Vieux is turning heads with a more radical idea: that those western Saharan roots can be heard in everything from the jam band scene to Jamaican dub.
Tour periods: 8-28 April, 1-15 June, August & 15-30 November. Exclusive territory: GAS.
Traveling party: 7 (5 on stage) 
SEXTETO MAYOR

THE WORLD´s BEST IN 

CONTEMPORARY TANGO
Sexteto Mayor copyright Griot GmbH
The most famous tango ensemble in the world - will be on tour in Europe with their new album "Viva, Passion & Tango" in 2011. 

The Sexteto Mayor received the “Latin Grammy® Award“ in 2003. They performed in venues like Théatre des Champs Elysées (Paris), Teatro Victoria (Madrid), Deutsche Oper (Berlin), Philharmonie (Cologne), Teatro Tivoli (Helsinki) and the Kreml in Moscow.
Tour periods: May, July.  Exclusive territory: Europe (in co-operation with Kuenstlersekretariat Ott).
Traveling party: 7 (6 on stage)
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO 3 TIMES GRAMMY AWARD WINNERS
Ladysmith Black Mambazo copyright
 A radio broadcast in 1970 brought about their first record contract. Since then the group has recorded over forty albums, selling over seven million records at home and abroad, establishing themselves as the number one selling group from Africa.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo have been nominated for a Grammy 12 times and won it three times: most recently in 2009 for their new album „Ilembe“ (“Best Traditional World Music CD”).
Their work with Paul Simon on the "Graceland" album attracted a world of fans that never knew that the sounds of Zulu harmony could be so captivating. The album sold over 14 million times. One of the hits of the album was the Mambazo song “Homeless”. 
The group has recorded with numerous artists from around the world besides Paul Simon (e.g. Stevie Wonder). Their film work includes a featured appearance in Michael Jackson's video "Moonwalker" and Spike Lee's "Do It A Cappella". Black Mambazo has provided soundtrack material for Disney's "The Lion King Part II",  Eddie Murphy's "Coming To America", Marlon Brando's "A Dry White Season", James Earl Jones' "Cry The Beloved Country" and Sean Connery's "League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen". 
Tour periods 2012: May. Exclusive territory: GAS. Traveling party: 10




STILL BLACK - STILL PROUD  THE AFRICAN TRIBUTE TO JAMES BROWN 
Pee Wee Ellis in Still Black Still Proud - The African Tribute to James Brown copyright Griot GmbH and BPR

The premiere of this outstanding production took place this year in Brighton: The Dome Concert Hall was sold out and the audience celebrated - but truly celebrated! the African Tribute show to James Brown:
  "Each and every peformer on stage seemed devoted to giving the audience the party of a lifetime and the crowd showed their apprecitation raucously. When the super group attempted to leave the stage for the first time, it felt like there might be a riot if they didn´t play an encore.... "
All other concerts that followed were also great and ticket sales excellent. 

"The African Tribute to James Brown" by original JB musicians
Pee Wee Ellis (musical director) and their African guest on tour worldwide now. The show can be booked with various African and other guests guest stars like: Tony Allen, Manu Dibango. Angelique Kidjo, Nils Landgren, Marceo Parker depending on availability and budget. Guest stars 2011 - to be announced

Tour periods 2011: summer. Exclusive territory: Europe *. Traveling party: 15




DIZZY GILLESPIE (tm) ALUMNI featuring THE HEATH BROTHERS
Dizzy Gillespie (tm) All Stars copyright Peter Purger and Griot GmbH and BPR 

Fresh from their Autumn Tour of the Far East - enthralling and delighting audiences alike from the Cotton Club of Tokyo to the arenas of Taiwan and South Korea, this world-class group, led by bass player and Dizzy veteran John Lee and featuring NEA jazz master Jimmy Heath,  continue the legacy of America's national treasure.

"All I can say is if you know Jimmy Heath, you know Bop" (Dizzy Gillespie) 

"Trane was always high on Jimmy's playing and 
so was I"  (Miles Davis)

LINE UP

Jimmy Heath -  Tenor Sax  ** Antonio Hart -  Alto Sax ** Greg Gisbert - Trumpet ** John Lee - Bass
Benny Green - Piano ** Albert "Tootie" Heath - drums
Tour periods 2011: May, June, July. Exclusive territory: Europe*. Traveling party:  6-7
 DIZZY GILLESPIE (tm) ALL STAR BIG BAND   DIRECTED BY ROY HARGROVE
Dizzy Gillespie (tm) All Stars copyright Peter Purger and Griot GmbH and BPR The Dizzy Gillespie (tm) All-Star Big Band, a veritable who's who among jazz musicians, was formed in the summer of 1998 to perform Dizzy Gillespie's classic big band repertoire and continue the legacy left by the late master... They will come to Europe in 2011 directed by Roy Hargrove.
Many of the arrangements performed by the band are "vintage" and were written for Dizzy's big bands of the mid-1940s to the mid-1950s-but they could hardly be described as old or dated. In fact, they continue to stimulate and challenge jazz musicians today just as they continue to dazzle and delight audiences around the world. Some were written by Dizzy himself, others commissioned from among such distinguished arrangers as Quincy Jones, Gil Fuller, Tadd Dameron, Lalo Schifrin, Melba Liston, and Benny Golson.  
LINE UP

Jimmy Heath - tenor sax and flute ** Eric Alexander - tenor sax and flute ** Antonio Hart - alto sax and flute **
Mark Gross - alto sax and flute ** Gary Smulyan - baritone sax ** Roy Hargrove - trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals **
Claudio Roditi - trumpet and flugelhorn ** Diego Urcola – trumpet ** Greg Gisbert – trumpet **
Frank Greene – trumpet ** Steve Davis – trombone ** Jason Jackson – trombone ** Michael Dease – trombone ** Douglas Purviance - bass trombone ** Cyrus Chestnut – piano ** John Lee - bass/executive director **
Lewis Nash – drums ** Roberta Gambarini - vocals
Tour periods: 8-14 August 2011, fall 2011 and spring 2012. Exclusive territory:Europe*. Traveling party: ± 20




THANDISWA INGOMA
Thandiswa copyright Griot GmbH
Thandiswa caused a sensation when her first album "Zabalaza" entered the charts and won the hearts of jazz and worldmusic lovers in South Africa. She has been awarded as "Best Female Artist" and also won "Best contemporary album"for her debut album. Also her second album "Ibokwe" reached platinum status within shortest time.

Thandiswa has been celebrated on a number of international festivals in Europe like the Africa Festival Wuerzburg or at Rio Loco Festival when she did not only perform with her own band, but also as guest of Hugh Masekela in "Celebrate Mama Afrika".
Her interpretation of two Miriam Makeba songs were absolute  highlights of the festival

Check out this video  Lahlumlenze  and get an idea about her powerful performance and remarkable voice.
Tour periods 2011: summer. Exclusive territory: Europe. Traveling party: 10 (8 musicians on stage)
HOT WATER A DAY IN CAPE TOWN
Copyright Hot Water and Griot GmbH
 Hot Water are a fresh and exciting band uniting five different and diverse cultures that gives them an invaluable role to play in the New South Africa. Based in Cape Town and captained by South African singer-songwriter and guitarist Donovan Copley, the band is a densely African fusion of powerful, uplifting sounds and vocals.

Hot Water was voted best Band in south Africa by Mens Health Magazine September 2008.
They represents the great diversity that embodies the South African nation. It is no surprise that five tracks fromt their album Home, have been chosen to appear on the international EDEL release "A Day in Cape Town"
Tour periods : summer 2011.  Exclusive territory: Europe  Traveling party:  6-7




COCO MBASSI AFRICA´S SOUL VOICE
Coco Mbassi copyright Griot GmbH The rfi prize winning voice from Cameroon had a sensational success with her debut album "Sepia" which climbed several  charts and brought her a nomination for a BBC Radio Award. Coco Mbassi recorded her second album "Sisea" with special guests like Manu Dibango and Richard Bona. She toured extensively and recieved enthusiastic reviews for her live concerts. Though Coco Mbassi started her solo career just a few years ago she is now playing first league in various European countries.
After a little break and changing her residence from Paris to London she is now coming back with a "best of" choice from her first cds and with some brand new material.
Tour periods: summer plus September - December 2011. Exclusive territory: Europe. Traveling party 9




THEMBA MKHIZE AFRICAN JAZZ & VOCAL MUSIC AT IT´S BEST
Themba Mkhize copyright Griot GmbH

As director and producer he worked with Hugh Masekela, Bayete, Miriam Makeba, Ouma Sangare, Sibongile Khumalo, Busi Mhlongo. His first album deservedly won two SA Music Awards for Best South African Traditional Jazz Album and Best Producer and the Daimler Chrysler Award for South African Jazz. His second album was nominated 4 times in the 2002 SAMA awards (and won three of them). Themba´s most recent offering (Hands On) won two of the major awards in South Africa namely Metro FM Award (Jazz category) and MTN SAMA Award (Best Male Artist).
Themba Mkhize was on tour in November 2008 and presented his new album "Scenes from the South" (SKIP Records) at some prestiguos jazz festivals. He returned in 2009 to record with SWR Big Band and presented  "Shosholoza" - a musical journey to South Africa with them in 2010. 
Tour periods Themba Mkhize and SWR Big Band plus star guests: summer 2011. Exclusive territory: Europe.
Traveling party: more than 20 :-)




LIRA SOUTH AFRICA´S AFRO SOUL QUEEN
Lira copyright Griot GmbH and Jazzworx Lira is known for eclectic sounds comprising elements of Afro-pop, R&B and jazz. She became a mega selling singer in South Africa with her second album "Feel Good" ("Best Jazz Album 2007,  Metro FM Awards). The title song "Feel Good" was the most downloaded song in South Africa in 2008. With her third album "Soul In Mind".Lira succeeded to cause a sensation at this year´s South African Music Awards: she was nominated for 6 SAMA awards ... she finally won in the following categories, making her the most decorated winner of this year´s SAMA awards:  

Best adult contemporary album: English, 
Best remix of the year, 
Best Female Artist 
Album of the Year- Soul In Mind
Tour periods 2011: summer. Exclusive territory:Europe. Traveling party: 9
MORE ARTISTS 2011
Patrick Bebey Quartet – Cameroon - best African jazz & new album
 Traveling party: 4-5

Declan de Barra – Ireland - new album just out. Traveling party: 1-6

Sam Tshabalala -  South Africa - Township music & jazz
Traveling party: 4-9

Andy Narell & Sakésho – USA/ Caribbean - the steel drum master
 Traveling party: 4

Gcina Mhlophe – South Africa – one of the best storytellers of the world
Exclusive Territory: the world. 
Traveling party: 1 ( plus sometimes additional musicians)

* Territories marked with a star: Griot shares exclusive rights in Europe with BPR 





 





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