Sankofa Sunsplash - Wilberforce Weekender
Music, dance, food and fun to celebrate African and African Caribbean culture
The Sankofa Sunsplash festival took place from 12 noon til 6.30 pm on Saturday 28th July 2007 at Queens Gardens, Hull.
Thanks to eveyone who took part in the Sankofa Sunsplash, including the sun!.... The Sankofa Sunsplash free festival – celebration of African and African Caribbean culture, arts, dance, music, food, and performance – took place from 12 noon on Saturday 28th July 2007 in Hull’s Queens Gardens – thousands of people came and joined us for fantastic music, scrumptious food and entertainment for the family all afternoon. There was music and dance in the multicoloured ColourDome stage in Queen Victoria Square.
h2. Here’s what went on!!
Rita Ray: Mistress of Ceremonies/ DJ Set
Rita Ray is a club and radio DJ and producer. She also programmes international music festivals in London, as well as contributing to the BBC’s Africa on Your Street website and the BBC World Service. She is chair of the jury for the BBC Awards for World Music and is currently writing a biography about the Nigerian musician and human rights activist Fela Kuti. http://www.theshrine.uk.com
Netsayi: Live Set
Netsayi Chigwendere is one of the UK’s most exciting new talents.
Based in Bristol, her music, combining the rich traditions of her Zimbabwean upbringing with music of the Diaspora, resists definition. She is a highly sought after live performer and a contributor to the Black Atlantic Project. http://www.netsayi.com
Kasai Masai: 
Live Set Based in London and the Congo, Kasai Masai is a 6 piece outfit, consisting of d’jembe, guitar, saxophone, bass, drum and MC. They are also joined occasionally by one or two female dancers. Recent performances include WOMAD 2006 and the SOAS concert series in London. Band leader Nickens Nkoso is a well sought after session musician on the international world music and facilitates d’jembe, conga, percussions and dance workshops. http://www.kasaimasai.com
The Black Atlantic Project: Installation hosted by ARC. 
This unique project, commissioned by the British Council, explores black culture on both sides of the Atlantic and involves a musical dialogue between an assortment of British and American composers. An original composition by Charlie Dark forms the basis of a chain of musical remixes and exchanges, passed from artist to artist back and forth across the Atlantic. The remixed tracks are accompanied by “cultural capsules:” token items, ‘voice’ letters and photographs from each of the musicians that give a tangible snapshot of their life and creative process.
http://www.britishcouncil.org/usa-arts-music-black-atlantic-project.htm
http://www.arc-online.co.uk
Khady Black: Live Set
The charismatic Khady Black is Sierra Leone’s first and biggest female reggae artist and is renowned for her tough talking stage persona and the way she uses her roots reggae for social justice. She has also recently been appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador by NGO Ujima. http://www.khadyblack.com
Champion Sound System: DJ Set
Based in Hull, Champion Sound has been promoting reggae dancehall since 2000.
Recent gigs include:
- the Mad Professor at the Welly Club, Hull
- DJ Derek at the Faversham in Leeds.
Wilberforce 2007 Samba Band: Live set
Jay Moy and Simon Higley from Hull Samba School teach adult beginners workshops every Tuesday evening from 7-9pm at the Hull Afro-Caribbean Association (25/26 Park Street, Hull). They will be working with pupils from David Lister School East to create the ‘Wilberforce Samba Band’ to play at the Sankofa Sunsplash event.
Both Jay and Simon play with Hull based group ‘Kingston Bateria’.
Steel Trinity: Live Set
Founded in 1787 as a naval school for boys, Trinity House’s old customs are still a big part of school life. Having performed on BBC Radio Humberside and BBC Look North, as part of the city’s Wilberforce 2007 commemorative programme, the school’s steel band ‘Steel Trinity’ will be making a special guest appearance at the Sankofa Sunsplash.
The Sparks African Dance Troupe: Dance Performance
Made up of pupils from Holy Name and Parks Primary Schools, the Sparks will open the day’s activities with a short performance of traditional African dance from the Ibo Culture of Nigeria. Choerographed by Justina Oraka of the Africa Forum.
Seikou Susso and the Allah Lake Afro Mandinka Band: Live Set and African Storytelling Workshops
Born in the Gambia, Seiko is from a family of griots known as Jalibas, who tell the history of the Mandingo Ancestry through music poetry which they express with one an African stringed instrument called the Kora. Seiko has worked on various film and TV projects, including the film “Pitch Fever”, and the Channel 4 educational programme “Music Makers”. http://www.seikoususso.freeuk.com
Isaac Acheampong: African Drumming Workshops
Mainly teaching and facilitating beginners and intermediate African drumming, Isaac can really connect with all kinds of people, young and old, with all kinds of learning needs and abilities.
Click here to find out how to join in
Click here for Sankofa Sunsplash Myspace Page
Venue: Queen’s Gardens
Date: 28th July 2007
Time: 12 noon til 6.30 pm
Price: £Free
Events Calendar
Download a PDF version our events guide (published Jan07).
Please note: Wilberforce2007 events are subject to change - for up to date listings please check the site for the latest details.
