Imagine being surrounded by 40+ singers filling the Albany with music created in-the-moment, before being invited to join in and co-create an instant musical community. This concert celebrates the power and joy of vocal improvisation and brings together some of London’s most adventurous artists in a one-off performative highlight of a two day festival part of UK Vocal Improv on Tour. It will feature first time collaborations between Anthropos: Songs of Humanity ensemble and Rouhangeze – Mauritian composer and cultural ambassador, Kadialy Kouyate – Senegalese kora player and singer, as well as a meditative voice and electronics opening set by ILÂ.
Anthropos: Songs of Humanity ensemble explores the roots of collective song before and beyond language. They began by asking themselves; why did our ancestors sing and how did music emerge before its separation from daily life? This a cappella ensemble creates improvised vignettes that transcend style or culture and give voice to the human experience. Music was once the golden thread in the fabric of everyday life and so music beyond words, is the language of Anthropos. Together, they draw from the depth of their musical traditions and life experiences to imagine ancient languages and sound archetypal feelings. They have recently performed and taught at Germany’s TIN festival, are leading an Arts Council England funded exploration into the role of collaborative vocal improvisation in health and care settings, as well as premiering an interdisciplinary performance project in a Slovenian Karst cave later in the year.
Rouhangeze, aka Ruh, is a versatile Mauritian artist excelling as a contemporary vocalist, songwriter, composer, producer, voiceover artist, vocal therapist, and cultural ambassador. Her identity fuses her roots, love for music, and commitment to celebrating unity and diversity. With over two decades of experience, her creative journey spans various roles, collaborating with luminaries across genres, including Linley Marthe, Rachel Z, Omar Hakim, and Antonio Forcione. Rouhangeze hosts “Jazz Odyssey,” airing Tuesdays at midnight on Jazz FM.
Born into the great line of Kouyate Griot in Southern Senegal, Kadialy Kouyate’s kora playing and singing style, both as a soloist and in different ensembles, have been appreciated in many prestigious venues including the Royal Festival Hall, the 02 Arena, the National Theatre, the Royal Albert Hall and Clarence House. Kadialy has also played venues and festivals across the world, touring to Europe, Australia and North America. Since his arrival in the UK, Kadialy has played a significant part in enriching the London musical scene with his griot legacy.
ILÂ is a multifaceted artist, producer and creative director creating some of the most unique and acclaimed music to emerge from the UK in recent years. Following their acclaimed debut album Mesonoxian, ILÂ featured on legendary Bjork/Madonna producer Guy Sigsworth’s debut Stet alongside Imogen Heap and Martin Grech. In 2020, ILÂ’s immersive short film Daffodil exploring AI, grief and consciousness was released on NOWNESS.