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Part one: Rokia Traoré
Born in Mali in 1974, Rokia Traoré spent much of her youth travelling from the States, to the Middle East to Europe, due to her father working as a diplomat. She won a Radio France Internationale prize as "African Discovery" of 1997 and although proud of her cultural origins, she has allowed herself to be influenced by music she encountered during her travels. She sings in Bamana (the main dialect in Mali) but also in French and while her musicians play the native ngoni and balafon instruments, the arrangements are far from traditional. It’s that combination, on top of her gripping voice and enchanting physique that has allowed her to become a singer guitarist of international renown after only two albums: Mouneissa and Wanita. 2003 saw the release of her third and totally captivating album Bowmboi. In 2005, she teamed up with the likes of Fontella Bass and Dianne Reeves for a tour of the US in a show dedicated to Billie Holiday, “Billie and Me”. In 2008, Rokia released her latest album ‘Tchamantché, mixing african music with rock and blues which earned her a 2009 “Victoire de la Musique” - the equivalent of a French Emmy - and the winner of the Best Artist category in the inaugural Songlines Music Awards (2009) - the new 'world music' awards organised by the UK-based magazine, Songlines. It is thus an accomplished and original artist, with bagfuls of energy, who will set out to conquer Patrimonio with her unique and seductive blend of cultural styles.
Official website
Part two: Lucky Peterson Band
 Lucky Peterson was brought up on the blues and from the age of 4 he was already playing on a Hammond organ in his father’s jazz club. His musical appetite was such that he wanted to learn to play all the instruments he came into contact with and soon became a virtuoso of the organ and the guitar. And on top of that, he’s got a useful voice. Upon reaching adulthood, he left his father’s club to try and make a go of it alone. He ended up alternating between bass guitar and guitar and even became Little Milton’s organist for several years. On one fateful evening, Bill Snyder, artistic director of the Verve, heard him play and offered an album deal. “I’m ready” was the simple answer and also what eventually became the title of his debut album – an album that was to signify the rebirth of the blues. The younger generation immediately connected to this revamped and reinvigorated interpretation of the genre. Since then, many albums have seen the light of day, of which –arguably - the most striking have been “Beyond Cool” and “Black Midnight Sun”. However, despite the quality of these studio offerings, it is in a live situation where Lucky really comes into his own. There is such a charged and frenetic communication with the audience that the rising temperatures during his concerts tend to come close to melting point. So, even if it’s night time, don’t forget your sun cream and a bucket of ice. You can’t say you weren’t warned.
Official website
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