An Evening of Rhythms, Roots and Musical Dialogue
by Ibrahim Kamara & PILOT JONES
Music Performance
Part of the RELATE Festival (Autumn–Winter 2025)
29 October | Doors Open: 21:00 | First performance: 22:00
Savino Rock Bar, Larnaca
Visual Voices (CY), Generation for Change (CY), l’atelier des artistes en exil (FR), and Savino Rock Bar invite you to an evening of Rhythms, Roots and Musical Dialogue by Ibrahim Kamara & PILOT JONES (Bolarinwa Johnson).
This showcase is part of the RELATE artist residency programme, curated by musician and producer Lefteris Moumtzis. It celebrates the artistic growth of the featured artists in a night that traverses continents and genres.
The evening unfolds as a triple-bill of musical evolution:
The programme will begin with the powerful rhythms of West Africa. MANDE MORRY DRUMMERS, led by Ibrahim Kamara, will take the stage alongside Demba Kouyateh on clapping drum and Amina D, the featured Kuku dancer. Together, this dynamic ensemble will perform a set dedicated to the Mandinka culture. Audiences will be immersed in the energetic beats of rhythms like the Kuku, experiencing the communal spirit and sacred ceremonies of West African heritage.
The second set expands the stage for fusion. Local musicians join Ibrahim’s ensemble in an electrifying dialogue between African polyrhythms and the freedom of jazz improvisation into a cultural conversation creating something entirely new.
The finale introduces the soulful spoken word of PILOT JONES (Bolarinwa Johnson). Inspired by Fela Kuti, Stevie Wonder, and the poetics of Kendrick Lamar, he performs with the full ensemble of African percussionists and a jazz group, creating a layered soundscape that amplifies his storytelling.
The performance is coordinated by Lefteris Moumtzis on bass, featuring a band of accomplished musicians including Henry Walton on guitar, Thomas Lumley on saxophone and Nama Dama on vocals, recorders and percussion.
RELATE connects and supports Cyprus-based migrant artists through guidance, production, public showcases, and networking opportunities. This concert embodies RELATE’s mission, providing a platform for both artistic and public exchange.
Tickets cost €10 and may be purchased at the door on the day of the event. All proceeds go to the musicians.
Ibrahim Kamara is a djembe drummer with a background in West Africa. He began playing drums at a young age and has since performed on various occasions, showcasing his talent. Ibrahim is deeply involved in the drum circle, where he teaches drum beat techniques and rhythms. His passion for music extends to promoting artists and musicians, encouraging them to find the courage to participate in cultural and artistic expressions. As a djembe musician, Ibrahim aims to share the power of rhythm and music to connect people and inspire creativity.
Bolarinwa Johnson is a Nigerian artist based in Cyprus whose work is shaped by his cultural heritage and personal experiences. Raised in Nigeria, he is deeply influenced by the country's vibrant traditions, heritage, and social dynamics, which have been central to his creative journey.
Bolarinwa primarily works as a musician and explores storytelling, performance, and community-based projects. His art delves into themes of identity, migration, belonging, and the intersection of African and Cypriot cultures, reflecting his experiences as a migrant. His journey began as a way to explore his emotions and sense of belonging, leading him to blend the cultural stories of Nigeria with elements of Cypriot culture in his work.
Ibrahim Kamara and Bolarinwa Johnson are resident artists of RELATE (REveaL – Art To Exchange), a programme supporting Cyprus-based migrant artists through mentorship, production, public showcases, and transnational networks. RELATE is led by Visual Voices (CY), Generation for Change (CY), and l’atelier des artistes en exil (FR), co-funded by the EU through the CERV programme.
#RELATEproject, #Culture, #Art #CreativeExchange #sociallyengagedarts
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