Africa Now Music Festival at Historic Apollo Theater in New York

The Apollo Theater and World Music Institute will present Africa Now, a four–day music festival scheduled for April 2-6, 2014. Africa Now highlights today’s African music scene. The second annual festival will feature a captivating lineup of artists. Africa Now will feature an all-star concert, April 5th, on the legendary Apollo stage featuring Malian vocalist Fatoumata Diawara; Senegalese trio Les Frères Guissé; and reggae and Afrobeat collective Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars.

The Apollo Theater is celebrating its 80th anniversary season and the Africa Now Festival further establishes the legendary venue’s longstanding role as a creative catalyst for Harlem, New York, and the United States and as a platform for culturally diverse artists.

“We are absolutely delighted to present the second year of Africa Now with World Music Institute,” says Mikki Shepard, Apollo Theater Executive Producer. “Our program of artists showcases the amazing range of musical talent within the African music scene. Last year’s sold-out Mainstage concert set the bar very high, and those who attend the festival know they can expect a world-class event, a great line-up, and an overall incredible experience.”

Karen Sander, World Music Institute Artistic and Executive Director adds: “World Music Institute Artistic continues to be at the forefront of creating exciting new formats that bring world cultures to NYC, and we are thrilled to be working with the Apollo on this latest venture. Africa Now is a wonderful way for audiences to dig into the diverse contemporary music scene in one of America’s most iconic venues. I am still getting stopped on the street by people who attended last year’s launch of Africa Now and can’t wait for it to return.”

The Apollo Theater recently announced the public phase of a $20 million fundraising campaign to extend the nonprofit institution’s role in fostering artistic innovation, supporting emerging artists, and deepening its engagement with audiences locally, nationally, and internationally. The 21st Century Apollo Campaign supports the growth of a variety of programmatic initiatives, including the Africa Now Festival.

Tickets are $45, $35, $25; Premium tickets are $65. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through the Apollo Theater Box Office, 125th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, 212/531-5305 and Ticketmaster, (800) 745 3000, www.ticketmaster.com.