Brighton gig to host world music star (From The Argus)

Brighton gig to host world music star

8:00am Thursday 5th August 2010 in News By Naomi Loomes

A refugee community in Brighton and Hove is staging a gig featuring one of the biggest names in African pop.

Around 80 refugees came to the city in 2006 under a United Nations scheme for people whose lives were in danger.

On Saturday they will gather for a celebratory event at the King Alfred Leisure Centre in Hove.

One of the performers is Dr Ali Birra, a singer regarded as the father of Oromo music worldwide and considered a very important cultural ambassador.

Now based in Canada, Birra is a legendary figure in Ethiopia where he recently received an honorary doctorate from the nation’s Jimma University.

Also performing is M Sheika from the USA and Ferhan from London.

Doors open at 6pm and the show runs until 1am. Tickets on the door cost £20 single and £30 couple. Children are free.