Bristol's World Music Gigs

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Bristol's World Scene

Do we need the term World music in 2020?

World music has always been a problematic term, somewhere like Bristol is a key example of why. With 16% of the population being from ethnic minority groups and dedicated centres studying the impact of migration on citizenship, there seems little distinction between ‘local music’ and ‘world music’ anymore. Reggae is often classed as ‘world music’ given its Jamaican roots, but it has a strong UK heritage and for someone who is a 2nd or 3rd generation UK citizen with migrant parents, making music that’s classed as ‘world’ when they’ve never lived anywhere else but say, Bristol, seems an offensive categorisation. Its almost a cliche to say we live in a global society, so isn’t all music now world music?

Everyone knows that Bristol is a true melting pot of cultures and it comes as no surprise that the city has a healthy world music scene which manages to avoid the cliche. The on-trend big names in world music like William Onyeabor, Ebo Taylor or the Kuti family usually find themselves at home in Bristol’s Colston Hall. Occasional headliners can also be found at The Fleece and the Trinity Centre. St George’s hosts regular world music events covering more traditional music from Senegal, Mozambique and South Africa, where instruments like the kora and mbira are commonplace.

Locally, Bristol is home to some very talented ‘world music’ musicians. Afrobeat stalwarts like Mankala and No Stop Go (formerly Bristol Afrobeat Project) play smaller venues like The Canteen and The Old Market Assembly but also get the opportunity to support international bands at larger Bristol venues.

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Our recent world recommendations

British folk iconoclast Chris Wood graces the candlelit hush of John Wesley’s New Room. His everyday epics sketch sharp-edged portraits of England’s many overlooked lives, from empty nests to minor league football teams to tragedies of industrial decay. Acute compassion ballads FFO: Martin Carthy, Karine Polwart, Billy Bragg, Richard Dawson. Chris Wood at John Wesley’s New Room.

Sell out warning! Granny’s Attic craft a mischievous folk playground, weaving original tunes into centuries-old reels and laments with effortless virtuosity. Crisp melodies, playful textures, and infectious energy celebrate the living, breathing pulse of the folk tradition. Joyous foot-stomping magic FFO: Jack Rutter, Eliza Carthy, Salt House. Granny's Attic - Greenbank Folk Club at St Anne's Church, Eastville.

Sell out warning! Kiss Facility unites Sega Bodega’s prodigious production alchemy with Mayah Alkhateri’s gossamer Arabic vocals, all refracted through a prism of shoegaze longing and soaring avant-pop emotivity. Prepare to be utterly transfixed by the ultimate creative power couple in an absolute no-brainer FFO: Erika de Casier, Eartheater, Nadah El Shazly Kiss Facility at Strange Brew.

Marauding Norsemen Agabas charge into town wielding their self-coined ‘deathjazz’: a pummeling uptempo rawk engine with a thrash gallop, horn blasts strafing through the noise, and shredding throat growls atop a storm of riffs and rhythms. A cataclysmic ruin ritual FFO: Kvelertak, Imperial Triumphant, Slipknot, Converge. AGABAS at Exchange.

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What our editors say

“Free entry!* Cavolo Nero is a psychedelic groove band from The Netherlands, blending exotic rhythms with modern club influences and psychedelia. Inspired by funk, disco, and afrobeat, the band creates a unique and irresistibly danceable sound that fascinates audiences at countless festivals. With the release of their debut album, Cavolo Nero invites you into their Mountain Disco... a place where genres merge and everyday worries can be left behind. Here is only one rule: let loose, as hypnotic grooves and ecstatic energy come together in an explosive live experience. Instagram: @cavoloneroband *til 9:30pm; £6 after”
From: Mountain Disco

“Free entry! Bristol Latin legends Spoon Lips play the Latin hits. Expect the energy of a descarga salsa night in New York in the heart of Bristol, and get ready to dance! We will clear a dancefloor and encourage its use.”
From: Salsa Dance Night with band

“THE LOUD PACK presents: Kizza's birthday at the GRAK ( 99 Gloucester Road, BS7 8AT) No more full male line ups! 50/50 equality rave! Come to boogie to a night of bassline, drum and bass, garage, grime, 140 and some world music! You have some of Bristols best up and coming groups: The Loud Pack (Big Asian Guy, Kizza, Ress.Less & Psili) Terror Cartel (Xpress, Immortal Frosty & DJ Tycotizs) DJ list: Dwelha Igknight Kyma Kaimeera Phi Splash Damage Gal T Tycotizs YGF Dex Flaat Face MC list: Big Asian Guy Chippy Immortal Frosty Kizza Psili Ress.Less Serious Ty Trapo Xpress”
From: Kizza's Birthday Bash

“Join us this Sunday as we welcome Internationally Acclaimed, London-based Saxophonist and Composer Len Aruliah. Known for his beautifully melodic and intricate lines, Len has toured with Gene Pitney, played theatre in the West End, world music with the 4Seasons Band and Association of British Calypsonians, and featured with the riotous Hackney Colliery Band and the River City Stompers. This sunday Len will join the house trio for a set of Jazz standards before welcoming guests to join for a jam session in set 2.”
From: Len Aruliah + Jam session

“Fusing DJ sets with live instruments, this event dives into a bold, relatively untapped sound that feels right. Expect genre-blurring performances featuring live guitar, saxophone, and trombone woven seamlessly into DJ sets, all under a vibrant world music theme.”
From: Merchant