Chene Park, Detroit, Michigan  July 16 & 17, 2005

Article & Photos: D. Misha Turner

 JUMP UP WITH DAARA J

“Ok people, it’s time for you to come with us to Africa…,” corralled Fadda Freddy.  With two turntables and
microphones, Daara J and their resident DJ smoked the Main Stage with their high energy.  Those not familiar with this trio from Senegal fell into the groove and gave up much love by crowding the base of the stage to dance.  Infused with rapid-fire rapping, scratching and melody Daara J let the crowd definitely know where they’re from and about the birthplace of hip-hop.  One could feel a direct kinship with Africa when these brothers spoke.  It was standing room only from the lip of the stage all the way to the lawn!  Daara J’s connection with the audience was stellar!  People were engaged to move, jump, and even electric slide.  By
set’s end, the crowd was more than ready to get down…Senegalese style!

PRAISE FOR AFROPOP WORLDWIDE’S “THE TENT SESSIONS”

Patrons attending the programs for Friday’s Concert of Colors at the Max Fisher Theatre warmly received Afropop Worldwides’ music documentary DVD Festival in the Desert- Tent Sessions.  Many who were unfamiliar with the yearly concert near Timbuktou were impressed by the drawing of artists who traveled far and wide to perform in the land so colliquialized as being in the middle of nowhere.

A SOULFUL SERVING OF OLIVER

The beginning of the festivities on Saturday at Chene Park was threatened by a heavy rainstorm, and had been spotty throughout the day.  However a modest gathering of music fans assembled with a few brave souls dancing at the foot of the stage.  “Tuku”, on guitar, was flanked by three backup singers, and djembe drummer for a warm-hearted acoustic set at the Diversity Stage.  Oliver performed with great reflection for the tone set by such intimate arrangements.  Oliver commented on current situations in Zimbabwe and the 23-city tour he and the band have been on in support of Nhava.  By the first guitar strums of “Lord, I’m Feeling Low,” the sun began to dry the land and gatherers were satiated with the soulful dish Oliver served with his music.
 

ABOUT THE CONCERT OF COLORS

Indeed, Motown brought the noise this year!  Music lovers were treated to an ear-feast on the river—from Oliver Mtukudzi, Maxi Priest and the Neville Brothers to power-packed bands such as Chicago’s Funkdesi, Bossa Cuca Nova, Tinariwen, and those live boys from Senegal: Daara J. There were so many great acts presented at this year's festivalthat kept me hopping from one stage to the next. Also representing was Detroit's own Nadir, Roots Vibration and funk-rock-hip hop superband, Ozomatli!

This summer represented the 13th annual Concert of Colors Diversity Festival.  Some of the series celebrated headliners have been Hugh Masekela, Femi Kuti, Susana Baca, Burning Spear, Cheb Mami, and The Neville Brothers.  Through the combined efforts of ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services), New Detroit and various corporate sponsors, The Concert of Colors music festival has been presented for the enjoyment of the metropolitan Detroit community free of charge and is one of the largest music festivals in the nation.

DOWNTOWN WITH DOMINICAN MIKE

Michael Julien, host of  “The Michael Julien Program” on WDET 101.9FM – World music mix 12:00-5:00 AM, Sundays.  Michael, along with other station personalities, was invited to announce Maxi Priest on stage.  A 26 year veteran of public radio in Detroit, Michael remains decidedly hopeful and encouraging about the growing interest in world music and the revitalization efforts in Detroit.  Michael was not short on praise for the legacy Afropop Worldwide has established!  Much kudos was given to our very own Georges Collinet.

WITH DON WAS

Quality time was spent backstage with the ‘producers’ producer’, Don Was prior to his performance on the Main Stagewith Khaled & Friends.  As a fan of Was Not Was, it was quite a pleasure speaking with this music legend and fellow Detroiter.  Don was very laid back and relaxed, reminiscent of Bob Dylan in looks and demeanor, as he spent time backstage talking shop with fellow musicians.

In speaking about his involvement with Khaled and the tour supporting the US release of Ya-Rayi, Don recollects on the worldwide popularity of Khaled—“he’s as popular as Elvis is in some places in the world”—and the make up of theartists accompanying the tour.  Soon Don Was went—with guitar in hand and dreadlocks flailing beneath his hat—to spread “Love to the People” (the single he produced on Khaled's US release of Ya-Rayi).

TIMBUKTOU-DETROIT

One could hear a pin drop as Tinariwren took to the Main Stage Saturday afternoon.  I’m not quite sure the audience of 50 people knew what to make of this band.  As the members took to their position and the lead singer offered his greetings in French, there was a sense of expectancy in the air.  After the first song, with the reverberation of drums in the air, the audience members seemed swayed, and the musical riffs seduced new inductees into this new, desert funk groove.  During one song, the male vocal lead sounded as if he was rapping, I overheard a couple of teenage boys commenton how “tight this guy’s flow” was.  Vocal power transcended.  And still, experiencing the reactions of different audience members who appeared transfixed by the soul-reaching rhythms flowing from the hands of Tinariwen.  By the set’s end,
the initial 50 swelled to hundreds and enthusiastic claps filled the pavilion.  One matronly woman told me: “that was a most spiritual experience…”  Indeed, I think Detroit is ready for more Tuareg soul!

BHANGRA BEATS

Funkadesi hails from the “Windy City.”  As the name implies, with Funkadesi you get a hot-piping dish of Funk, reggae, East Indian and African stew.  This 9-piece eclectic band really knows how to put on a show!  I spent some time talking with Rahul Sharma, manager/bassist and Carlos Cornier percussionist who exuded their love for the music.  On stage was a celebration that audience members couldn’t deny.  With the Indian percussion beating alongside the African percussion, everyone was on their feet in step with the beat.  Close to the end of the set, the party was taken off-stage and into the pavilion with lead vocal Velroy Dawkins in colorful African attire presiding.

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

Asante Sana to Ishmael Ahmed  and the wonderful folks at ACCESS for continuing to bring this festival to the banks of Detroit year after year! Thanks to Steve, soundboard engineer at the Main Stage and Jonathan Winkler from Thunder Audio and Marvin Bowie, Chene Park lighting director for their invaluable technical assistance.  Special thanks to Njia Kai Kaza, Diversity stage manager, Dave Shelly, Main Stage stage manager and Steve Heath, concert coordinator for their hospitality and support.