African music stars King Sunny Adé and Orlando Julius and The Afro Soundz, together with DJ Rich Medina, are set to perform on Sunday, July 3 at SummerStage in Central Park, Manhattan. Admission is free.
King Sunny Adé
King Sunny Adé is one of the most popular artists in Nigeria. He has been performing to sold-out audiences around the world for more than 35 years. King Sunny Ade and his full band (with dancers) will tour over 30 cities across the United States and Canada – with the expectation of sold-out shows in every city. The artist has not toured North America since 2009. His discography includes Juju Music, Best of the Classic Years, Synchro System/Aura, Gems From the Classic Years (1967-1974), Odu, Baba Mo Tunde, and Live Live Juju.
Orlando Julius and The Afro Soundz
Renowned Nigerian musician, Orlando Julius, plays classic Afrobeat with a psychedelic twist. In the 1960s, Julius was fusing traditional African sounds and rhythms with American pop, soul, and R&B.
In addition to performing and recording in his native Nigeria, he spent many years in the United States working on collaborations with Lamont Dozier, the Crusaders, and Hugh Masekela.
His 1966 recording, Super Afro Soul, made him a national celebrity in Nigeria and even went so far as to influence music in the United States. The record’s dramatic, highly melodic incorporation of soul, pop, and funk was very much ahead of its time, and some say that Super Afro Soul helped shape the funk movement that swept over the United States in subsequent years.
Rich Medina
Popular DJ Rich Medina takes audiences on a sonic journey through house, afrobeat, funk and soul.
Sunday, July 3
Doors open at 2:00 p.m. / Show at 3:00 p.m.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
