Modern tribal

Published on 9th October 2008 in Ents

ETRAN Finatawa brings his band of Nigerian tribal musicians to Selby Town Hall as the venue's anniversary celebrations continue.

Etran Finatawa and his musicians use the songs and music of the country's Wodaabe tribe in a modern context. They began as a group of ten musicians who wanted to unite these two nomadic cultures as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.

The music of the two tribes is very different but the way it has been combined has produced a powerful and hypnotic sound and a new musical style of Nomad Blues.

The traditional Wodaabe chants are a remarkable blend of choral polyphony and high tenor solos.

They wear their traditional long embroidered tunics, leather hose and turbans with ostrich feathers, and accompany their vocal music with the traditional calabasse drums and a slow-motion movement.

Their songs tell tales from nomadic life of isolation and liberty, of extreme hardship and poverty, of a harsh climate, of life-giving animals and handsome beasts.

Etran Finatawa's fusion of modern and traditional songs, handclapping and rich percussion creates a sonic picture of the grasslands of the Sahel and the arid desert.

The rich and heady blend of the Wodaabe singers and the polyphonic chorus of the whole band produces a highly innovative, unique and rich sound.

Town Council arts officer Chris Jones said: "This is without doubt one of the most exciting acts we've ever had perform at the Town Hall.

"Etran Finatawa have a thoroughly unique blues sound which brings together diverse cultures from a fascinating country - and you can experience all this on your own doorstep!

"What possible excuse could you have for not allowing yourself to be transported to the sights and sounds of Saharan Africa from the comfort of the Town Hall.'

Tickets for the Friday, October 17, show are on sale at www.selbytownhall.co.uk priced at £10, or on the door priced at £12.

For more information call 01757 213758.