Norfolk World Music Festival returns in 2021 aiming to create “Umoja” the Swahili and Zulu word for togetherness and unity but of course in these strange times in a safe and socially distanced way.
Having had to cancel the festival in 2020 the festival, that is based in Southburgh, returns for its 12th year and organiser Anna Mudeka is excited to see the return of people to her festival following a difficult time that we have all been through.
Taking place over the weekend of the 30th July to the 1st August the main day for events will be on Saturday 31st July with a wide cross section of artists lined up.
The Main stage will be headlined by Anna herself with her band taking to the stage for the first time in 5 years. They released their album ‘Dendende’ in 2015 to great acclaim and national radio airplay as well as a performance at the Latitude festival. They will be playing a set of original songs inspired by Anna’s native country of Zimbabwe. On the Friday evening she also features in the premier performance of Amrita Sandhu’s ‘Who Am I ?’
Also on the main stage that day will be Cuban musician Jose Ferrer with his band Jose Y Cubana, Cambridge based Indie Rock and alternative band Tantris, Belfast band The Watchsnatchers who play a mix of original, contemporary and traditional songs with a twist, the world inspired, dance infused, upbeat rhythm’s of Nebula Sun, the percussive and African Mog and Me, and Blues, Soul and Americana inspired Dove and Boweevil band.
The Fringe stage will be headlined by the African Choir Of Norfolk. A new project arising out of The Hostry festival they feature African singers who are based in Norfolk singing songs from Kenya, Cameroon, Zimbabwe and beyond. The line up is completed by Mike Campbell-Swai who recites his thought provoking nature, life and spirituality inspired poems over hypnotic music, the ukulele playing and singing winner of the Norfolk World music festival 2019 open mic competition Feed Albert, renowned Opera singer Emma Nuule, and singer songwriter Smithy.
DJ Michael will be spinning some very cool tunes and there will be a wide range of workshops led by Kevin Mortimer, Mog, Jose Ferrera, Anna Mudeka, Hej, and Debbie Harris teaching drums and percussion from Conga’s to Bodhran’s, dance workshops including Samba, African singing, Foolhardy Folk Circus and Yoga.
As usual there will be a wide range of food for sale from across the world including Zimbabwean cuisine, Burgers, a Veggie and Vegan van, crepes, cakes, coffee and ice cream. The Mudeka foundation will be running the bar, and serving traditional breakfasts on the Saturday and Sunday mornings with all profits from the weekend going towards educating orphans in Zimbabwe.
The weekend begins from 2 pm on Friday 30th July and concludes at mid day on Sunday 1st August and camping as well as a car park at the festival are also available. With the exception of guide dogs unfortunately dogs will not be permitted on site.
Organiser Anna says that it will be ‘ A weekend like no other with live music, workshops, food, drink, and laughter with something for all music lovers both young and mature. We will be guided by the Government’s Covid guidelines and will issue updates of any changes once they are made public’.
A full weekend ticket plus camping costs £70 or a full day ticket for the Saturday without camping costs £30. A Saturday evening only ticket from 6pm costs £20.A children’s ticket (6-12 years old) costs £15 and it is free for children under 6. Box office at leapinghare.org/
