| Line Up: Monica Akirary (vocals), Niels Brouwer (guitar), Sandip Bhattacharya (tablas) |
| Date & Hour: , Friday 1st May, 6.30pm |
Singer Monica Akihary and composter/guitarist Niels Brouwer's 'Boi Akih' aren't so much a band, as a musical movement embracing the diverse styles Africa, India, and their spiritual home, the Moluccan Islands of Indonesia.
Akihari sings not only in English but also in 'Haruku', the rarely heard native language of her Haruku Island in the Moluccas.
Daring, adventurous and lyrical, Boi Akih have created a unique musical vision born out of their shared love of Indonesian folklore, Indian classicism, West Africa's manding tradition, as well as Latin, funk, and even pop music.
After several band projects with various line-ups, Akihary and Brouwer released their first duo-album Yalelol last year. They supported its release with a series of sensational live concerts,and have been winning admirers for their unique brand of 'world music' far and wide ever since.
Boi Akih make good use of many influences ranging from Indonesian dang dang dut music and Hindi beats to blues, Arabic rhythms, west African songs and more.
Monica Akihary's dazzling voice leads us into a new and still developing world of subtle feelings and glowing colors. She is an exceptional vocalist who sends her song directly into the listener's soul.
The group is joined here by the the dazzling Indian tablas player Sandip Bhattacharya.
"Vocalist, not singer, is the best term for Akihary: her voice swings sweetly - but also soars and swoops, scats and whispers"- Business Day Magazine
" An unlikely combination of technical skills and thrilling melodies, Boi Akih, playfully connects the simple with the complex, thus creating a unity both deeply felt and daringly innovative"- Jazz Review
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