Musicians "From 3 Corners of the World" highlight a forgotten plight
Added: (Tue Nov 03 2009)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
LONDON – Charity Sandblast and East London club CARGO thwart the November blues with a folk rock triple bill benefit gig in aid of the Saharawi refugees. Celebrated tropical pop band Zeep, who headline the night on November 22, are joined by guitarist/singer New Zealander Henry Blake and Venezuelan vocalist Luzmira Zerpa's with her Afro-Latin Family Atlantica ensemble.
With their second album “People and Things” coming out on award winning label Crammed Discs, Zeep has joined forces with UK human rights and arts charity Sandblast to raise awareness and funds in support of the Saharawi refugees. "We believe that Sandblast is an important charity which supports a cause that must be highlighted to the rest of the world", so Zeep’s Chris Franck. During their planned visit to the camps next February, Zeep will give a concert during the annual Saharamarathon organized there, hold music workshops and do recordings with local Saharawi artists. They hope to work with Tiris whose debut album “Sandbtracks“ received a 5 star review in Songlines. Zeep believes that "[m]usic allows us to bring cultures together. It has always been a great inspiration to us to be able to work with musicians from all around the world. We are excited to learn more about the music of the people of Western Sahara." Henry Blake and Luzmira Zerpa have both visited the refugee camps and collaborated with Saharawi artist Aziza Brahim, who recently performed at the 7th Annual Africa Festival in London.
The benefit gig and Running the Sahara 2010 represent two major efforts by Sandblast to raise money for its Saharawi Artist Fund, set up to finance arts and cultural projects in the camps and promote collaboration between Saharawis and artists worldwide. For 2010, Sandblast hopes to raise £50,000 for a professional mobile recording studio and train Saharawis to use it. Due to long-term exile, many rich musical and cultural traditions are being lost and the project aims to provide the skills and resources to enable the Saharawis to record, promote and express their heritage and talents while also help generate income streams.
After 18 years of involvement with the Saharawi refugees, Sandblast founding Director, Danielle Smith, is convinced that one of the greatest hindrances to the Saharawi self-determination cause is its enduring invisibility. “It is vital that people know more widely who the Saharawis are and what better way than through the creative medium. The arts can reaffirm their distinct identity and also help bolster a culture which is being threatened by the twin realities of exile and the occupation of their homeland in Western Sahara.” Zeep concur: "The, songs, stories and traditions passed down through their music is crucial. It is important that this tradition is not just kept alive, but recorded whilst it is close to its first generation roots. “
Standard tickets are £12 at the door; student and advanced tickets can be acquired for £10. Give donations and book your advanced ticket online on www.justgiving.com/sandblasttickets.