An African Pardi Gras made its way to Calgary! The BD&P World Music Series at the Epcor Centre presented the incredible Johnny Clegg Band. With exhilarating and upbeat music that borrow the many distinct rhythms and sound from across Africa, the Johnny Clegg Band concert was truly a feast of music and sound to the senses! Like many, George of the Jungle was among one of my favourite childhood movies, which included Johnny Clegg’s upbeat song Dela (I Know Why The Dog Howls At Moon).
Dancing in the aisles…
Or in this concert, everywhere – from your own seat, the stage, the balconies above, or in front of the stage – the electrifying and moving music of Johnny Clegg had the whole audience dance up and on their feet. Amazingly, as the thought of myself dancing in public (much less a concert hall, of all places) is inconceivable, by the end of the concert the fever of African music eventually coursed through me as well. It all started with the lone cowgirl up in front of the stage, dancing her heart out in a frenzy of hands and feet. Then an old man, then a couple of children grooving along, joined with several teenagers, until the whole audience rushed either to the front of the stage, or was standing up and clapping with roars of delight. By the end of their performance, the audience started to stamp their feet and pound on the concert stage for an encore perf0rmance, nearly bringing down the whole concert hall for an encore! If you ask me, now that’s a concert!
The Man
Johnny Clegg, sometimes called “The White Zulu, is a international renowned musician from South Africa that mixes English lyrics with Zulu and African with various Western European styles in his popular music. Also he is notably a dynamic dancer, Anthropologist, academic, and French Knight. He also an inspirational humanitarian, as an important and passionate figure in the movement against apartheid in South Africa.
What I enjoyed most in this concert (inspiration for his music)
Apart from the whole concert hall dance party (the dance fever was pretty contagious!), much of the music the Johnny Clegg band performed was inspired and allowed a glimpse in the African people’s way of life.The song Bullets for Bafazan is a catchy and enthralling song that showcases the jazzy rhythms of the saxophone and dynamic sounds from the electric guitar, and hilariously was inspired by the Johnny Clegg Band’s road manager, who happened to be a village warrior. Comparable to a ninja, Africa village warriors are engaged in skirmishes between villages, and you have to get to the enemy first before anything bad happens to you or your village. Which was rather dangerous to the touring band, and finally convinced their road manager to let go of the sword.
Constant dancing and movement was enthusiastically performed throughout the concert by Johnny Clegg himself and his backup singer, a beautiful women dressed in a traditional red dress, was in constant motion. Johnny Clegg explained the meaning behind the music for many Africans. Dancing was a competition between two people, and you want to stamp your feet on certain beats to emphasize them. Except to win, you must stamp on unexpected beats, with the most force and power, to win the dance competition.
A truly rousing and lively concert, filled with joyous music and upbeat festivity, and jovial dancing, this concert has definitely been one of the best I have seen in the entire year of 2010/2011! Thanks goes to the Epcore Centre for providing such excellent seats! I recommend for all, those who enjoy festivals and exotic music, to watch any performance offered by BD&P World Music Series for a truly uplifting experience!
