Five Rivers - T322963006For this exclusive London performance, internationally acclaimed vocalist and songwriter Najma Akhtar takes us down The Ganges, Niger, Thames, Shannon and Mississippi with the ‘Five Rivers' project. Najma Akhtar grew up within the tradition of Ghazal (Romantic Urdu ballads) and has worked with Philip Glass, Jah Wobble, Basement Jaxx, Jimmy Page and Robert plant. 'Five Rivers' begins in India at the River Ganges and continues on to Africa and the River Niger, to Great Britain and Ireland, with the Thames and the Shannon and across the Atlantic to the great Mississippi River. Throughout the album, Najma explores the synergies that exist between the ancient poetic art form of the Indian Ghazal and the Western traditions of song and is the first project in which Najma's focus has been on the Western canon of song. Using selected covers songs written by Donovan, Tim Harding, Rev Gary Davis and the mystical love poetry of W. B. Yeats allows Najma to compare the many shared reference points between the ancient tradition of Ghazal (Romantic Urdu poetry) and the Western tradition of lyric poetry both beautifully address the issues of unrequited loss, tragedy & disillusionment. It is the voice that tells the story. A confluence of musical, poetic and linguistic traditions of the East and the West, absorbing musical traditions of West Africa, Mississippi Delta, Western Folk tradition, Ghazal, Rock music, Jazz and Psychedelia.Performer Najma Akhtar (vocals / harmonium). Performer Ramon Goose (guitars). Performer Chris Haigh (violin). Performer Matt Fisher (percussion). | |
| 6 May 23 | Crazy Coqs Cabaret, Inner London :: V01613972150 listing details L01049281967 |
T01668983849Najma will present the romantic Urdu poetry of the Ghazal in song, exploring lyrics written by traditional and contemporary Sufi writers. Additionally, in reflection of Najma's British nationality and heritage, the concert will incorporate a number of English and Irish traditional ballads and songs. Using both, the traditional & contemporary Indian style, her set will be accompanied by Harmonium, Violin, Bass, Multi-percussionist and Guitar. This will be a mesmerising and intimate musical evening of song and poetry, resonating with Najma's British and Indian roots and connecting vocal expressions through the rich musical landscape of the cultures that surround them.Performer Najma Akhtar (voice / harmonium). Performer Ben Coleman (violin). Performer John Deemer (bass guitar). Performer Ramon Goose (guitar). Performer Matt Fisher (percussion). | |
| 30 Oct 14 | Queen's Theatre, Barnstaple :: V883 listing details L1164472046 |
T0840339598An intimate evening of song and poetry from Najma Akhtar, the renowned British singer and songwriter from Indian and Pakistani heritage. | |
| 27 Sep 14 | Dorchester Arts Centre, Dorchester :: V1068 listing details L298917077 |
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| 26 Apr 03 | artsdepot, Outer London :: V320 listing details L0929921335 |
Other listings | |
| 11 Nov 12 | The Cockpit, Inner London :: V182 listing details L01165832703 |
| 20 Sep 02 | Southbank Centre, West End :: V423 listing details L0376933860 |
| 17 Nov 00 | Blackheath Halls, Outer London :: V1490866190 listing details L1454020823 |
A performer who's work spans traditional North Indian musical forms through to modern European jazz.
