Odemba OK Jazz All Stars

[Ronald]

Former Franco & TPOK Jazz musicians who have formed under the name Odemba OK Jazz All Stars will play two concerts in England:

Saturday 5 May - Poole Lighthouse Theatre
Monday 7 May - Brighton Sallis Benney Theatre (Sold Out)

Unfortunately only two dates because other programmers were not interested in booking them (probably never heard of TPOK Jazz), the band are:

1. Madilu System - Vocals
2. Dizzy Mandjeku - Guitar
3. Lokombe Ntal - Vocals
4. Malage De Lugendo - Vocals
5. Nana Wakumu - Vocals
6. Baniel Bambo - Vocals
7. Djo Maly - Bass guitar
8. Toms Ntale -Guitar
9. A. Nzau - Drums
10. Iblo Sax - Sax
11. Didan -Sax
12. Muky - Trumpet

[wallee Mc Donnell]

This is amazing and sad that they have only found two dates in the UK to perform. Amazing that they are here at all with this brilliant band but sad there were no dates elsewhere. Especially London.

Who is organising these dates, their tour?

Wallee Mc donnell

[Ronald]

Hi Wallee

I have no idea who is organising this tour, but the person was unable to sell this tour to local concert promoters across the UK. Most organisors know nothing about Congolese music apart from Konono and Kekele, and it is sad that none of them had heard of Franco. There may be a later date in Liverpool this summer.

[wallee Mc Donnell]

Hi! Roland

It doesn't quite make sense. There is a largish Congolese population in London and beyond and they are mad about music. A lot of it takes place in East London. Given some promotion of gigs, they would sell out. Also! there are a lot of UK fans who love this music. You only have to look at Sterns charts and it's always full of African CD's that are constantly selling.
It has a lot to do with prior promotion and getting publicity out and getting some journalists behind it.

Does this group have a contact person I could get in touch with?

Wallee

[Ronald]

Wallee

Try this:

simon_chege@yahoo.co.uk

[wallee Mc Donnell]

Thanks Roland

I'll check this out and let you know how I get on.

W

[Ronald]

Wallee

There will be a concert in Liverpool on June 15.