Cancelled: Otim Alpha & guests

Fantome & Rough Trade Bristol presents..

We are so happy to be hosting Otim Alpha for his debut show in Bristol. Part of the incredible Nyege Tapes collective, Otim Alpha will be bringing his hi-energy dance music to our live space as part of his European tour.

Otim Alpha (UGA)

Otim Never Fails Anyone. That strong yet accurate statement refers to his heartfelt duty spawned from his role as wedding ceremony leader, a duty to involve everybody in the room in his performances, making them wholly spiritual experiences, creating an uncontrollable urge to dance.

It's documented that at weddings in traditional Uganda, special Acholi songs are played known as 'Larakaraka’. Over a decade ago, Otim Alpha began collaborating with pioneering producer Leo Palayeng to mix up the style he was known for, into a newer hyper-frenetic electronic version. They toured the style across East Africa, and became known to Nyege Nyege Tapes who showcased them at their festival, and released Otim’s hit collection ‘Gulu City Anthems’.

The tape sold out within days, and later in 2017 Otim performed at Unsound Festival, earning him a live reputation that warranted festival director Mat Schultz’s Instagram post “Every European festival MUST book Otim Alpha!”

Otim has taken part in Damon Albarn’s Africa Express project in South Africa in early 2018. His appearance on Jesse Hackett’s ‘Ennanga Vision’ album laid foundation for Otim’s crossover into public conscience with his tribute ‘Otim’s War’, but having already moved on considerably from that breakthrough, this looks set to be Otim’s year.