Risenga Makondo
Music Therapist, dancer, singer and multi-instrumentalist presents “Cultural Jazz”. He will share his unique musical vision, based in the traditional music and dance of South Africa, but incorporating influences from European folk, jazz, drum and bass and rock music.

A dynamic and inspiring performer, Risenga weaves dance into his musical mix, saying:

“In our Venda,Tsonga and Pedi cultures the word performer is inclusive, because if need be, a dance will be part of the music section and musician be part of the dance section.”

Growing up under apartheid, he ended up touring the world with Amampondo, ambassadors of South African music and eventually moving to the UK where he studied classical music whilst teaching traditional African music.

After training as a music therapist he worked with a wide range of client groups before returning to Limpopo province to work on his dream of setting up a centre promoting arts, culture and therapy.

Risenga is visiting the UK as part of this mission, hoping to raise money through performing in order to make his dream come true.

Ben Badoo
You may have seen him surrounded by his percussion set-up leading his band Baraka, or maybe busking with his African xylophone on the Harbourside. Whatever he does, however, he always brings a lifetime of musical experience and wisdom to his playing. Ghanaian master drummer, singer and balafon player extraordinaire, Ben has a wealth of experience as a performer, choreographer, teacher and community musician, since moving to the UK in the 1980s. A great chance to see a true legend of the Bristol music scene.