A veritable whirlwind of sound, joy and revelry, Africa Unite 2012 was as close as you could get to Brighton Fringe personified.
Through an event dedicated to some of the most vibrant and jubilant music of the African continent, the evening saw a packed Komedia on its feet, soaking up an incredible party atmosphere.
With DJs from promoter African Night Fever spinning tunes between live acts, the event served as a wonderful showcase of African sounds old and new, taking in artists of myriad styles and locales, including many who’re currently based around the South Coast.
Following an explosive opening set from Afrocuban combo Grupo Lokito, main act Ozi Ozaa took to the stage with a lengthy drum solo.
With a sound that’s as percussive as it is melodic, this international outfit wowed the assembled revellers, their insistent grooves and superb musicianship getting the room moving from front to back.
Bringing together the two worlds of afrobeat and more traditional Ghanaian highlife, the band also drew upon styles as diffuse as jazz fusion and classic soul to create an irresistible musical melting pot, one that was wonderful to behold.
Ozi Ozaa means “work and happiness” in a Ghanaian tribal dialect and there was a fair share of both scattered through their set, from their mesmerizingly intense dual drum leads to some more or less impromptu onstage boogieing.
Finishing with a characteristically upbeat number, the collective signed off in a haze of drums and brass – a fitting end to a fine evening.
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