Sierra Leone hip-hop crew, BAJAH + THE DRY EYE CREW, to tour with NNEKA
Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew, superstars in their native country of Sierra Leone and one of Africa’s most beloved musical groups, have joined Nigerian songstress and international star Nneka for East Coast tour dates, kicking off Monday night in Boston and wrapping Saturday March 31st in Atlanta.
Recently signed to Nat Geo Music, their self-titled debut album will be released Summer 2012. Helmed by the production team Fyre Department (50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, GZA, Talib Kweli, Justin Timberlake) and ?uestlove of The Roots and recorded in New York City and Philadelphia, it features special guest appearances by some of the biggest names in hip-hop: Talib Kweli, K’Naan,Res, El-P and Nneka, all contribute vocal and production talents to the album. Already building a devout fan base in their new home of New York City, audiences have praised their unique style of music which, a signature fusion of funk, hip-hop, dancehall, reggae and unique Sierra Leonean rhythms. Their electrifying performances have garnered them a rabid live following; Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew ramp up the crowd with an exuberant show sung in both English and their native Krio that leaves the audience empowered, joining in on song and dance.
Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew have sold-out numerous shows at the national stadium in Sierra Leone, and garnered international recognition for their contribution to the soundtrack for the Academy Award-winning film Blood Diamond. The act is made up of Bajah, A-Klazz and Dovy Dovy, musicians whose larger-than-life stage personalities are as individual as their musical and vocal styles. In Sierra Leone, a country ravaged by a brutal 11-year civil war funded by slave-like conditions mining “blood diamonds,” and where political and social injustice runs rampant, Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew are a beacon of hope. They attract everyone from young schoolchildren to village elders who passionately support the Crew’s music and message of peace, love and inspiration. Bajah + The Cry Eye Crew take their name from the Sierra Leonean term “dry eye” which refers to those who are bold and brazen. They have been named “the voice of the voiceless” for their determination in bringing their country’s social and political injustices to the forefront of their music. This boldness is ever present on this album and in their unforgettable live shows, where their music, message and joyous spirit come together to form the ultimate experience that is Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew.
Upcoming Live Dates:
Tue 27-Mar New York, NY Gramercy
Wed 28-Mar Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda’s
Thu 29-Mar Vienna, VA Jammin Java
Sat 31-Mar Atlanta, GA Vinyl
Award winning songwriter, Nneka, has just released her third album Soul is Heavy. The album is an effortlessly balanced combination of hip-hop beats, reggae grooves, brass riffs and African-pop are the canvas for the motif of love, pain, politics and God.
In honor of her release, Nneka will be performing on BET’s 106 & Park this Tuesday, March 6th, performing the track “God Knows Why” with Black Thought and J.Period. As a featured artist on BET’s Music Matters, Nneka will also be appearing at the BET SXSW Showcase on March 15th. Other performances for Nneka at SXSW include March 13 that Clive Bar for the Pandora/DMX Showcase, an Acoustic performance for Ben Sherman/Clash Music on March 16th, KUT Showcase on March 16th and the National Geographic Showcase at The Stage on Sixth on March 17th.
Soul is Heavy is both affirmative and compelling in addressing the tough realities and uncomfortable truths of modern politics – both personal (‘Stay’) and international (‘Soul is Heavy’) – and adding credence to the Lauryn Hill / Erykah Badu references so often cited in comparison of her.
Catch Nneka on tour at one of the dates below:
3/6: Vancouver @The Biltmore Cabaret
3/7: Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile
3/8: Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
3/10: San Francisco, CA @ Red Devil Lounge
3/11: West Hollywood, CA @ Troubadour
3/13 – 3/17: Austin, TX @ SXSW
3/18: Houston, TX @ House Of Blues Bronze Peacock
3/21: Chicago, IL @ Double Door
3/23: Toronto @ Virgin Mobile Mod Club “Canadian Music Week”
3/24: Montreal @ Cabaret du Mile End
3/26: Cambridge, MA @ T.T. The Bear’s
3/27: New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre
3/28: Philadelpha, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
3/29: Vienna, VA @ Jammin Java Music Club & Cafe
3/31: Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl
Nneka’s latest video for “Shining Star”
