Africa Express: The Circus

Africa Express, a collective of African and Western artists, came together again in March 2019 for a celebration of unity in the borough where founding member Damon Albarn grew up.

Artists from across Africa, Europe and Britain – including, of course, Waltham Forest – joined forces to collaborate on new music and reworking of old songs.

The result was a spectacular and joyful five-hour headline show taking place in this diverse borough to demonstrate loud and clear how collaboration can break down boundaries.

Artists on the line-up included Batida, Damon Albarn, Django Django, Ellie Rowsell (Wolf Alice), Gruff Rhys, Imarhan, Joan As Police Woman, Mista Silva, Moonchild Sanelly, Morena Leraba, Muzi, Onipa, Rokia Traoré, Sibot and The Good, The Bad & The Queen. Plus a surprise performance from Blur. Find out more about the artists.

Africa Express was founded in 2006 to promote unity and collaboration through music across borders, genres and generations. Since then Africa Express has visited, recorded or performed in five African countries, toured the UK on a customised vintage train, created a Malian reimagining of a modern masterpiece, headlined festivals across Europe and reunited a Syrian Orchestra to work with African and Western artists. 

Please note: this event has already taken place

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