Sounds of Africa (From Stroud News and Journal)

Sounds of Africa

JOYOUS African dance band Imbongi return to Stroud's Subscription Rooms early next month by popular demand.

Expect a high fusion of driving Zulu and Zimbabwean rhythms, song and ebullient dance enhanced with the highly charged poetry of Zimbabwe's own premier performance poet Albert Nyathiand and the 'King Of Maskanda Guitar' - Maqhinga Radebe.

Imbongi are explosive, dynamic and visually stunning, a high-energy must-see fusion of words, song, music and dance.

Onstage, they are an exciting and vibrant blend of traditional, blues, jazz and contemporary African music.

Literally storming Glastonbury Festival, Sidmouth and WOMAD on their last visits in 2000,2001 and 2004 in addition to many appearances around the country, Imbongi left audiences delighted and spellbound by the sheer diversity and energy of Albert and the band.

The group consists of male and female dancers and vocalists who collaborate with keyboards, guitars, bass and drums and the poignant poetry of Albert Nyathi.

Live, they interweave the beauty of the dance with the songs and rhythms of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

"If you like your African music from the heart, that reaches into the depths of your very soul then Imbongi are the band for you," said organiser Crispin Thomas.

"Imbongi are a riotous celebration of sound, colour and - dare I say it - poetry in motion. Don't miss them, and remember bring your dancing shoes."

Imbongi are at the Subscription Rooms on Saturday, October 2 at 8pm and will be holding a dance and song workshop at 4pm on the same day. Tickets for the concert are £8.50, tickets for the workshop £4. A combined ticket costs £10. Tickets and more information are available from the box office.