Eclectic Music and More

Kinobe and the African Sensation
Traditional Music of Uganda

Rogue World Ensemble opens

Saturday, January 14, 2012 • 8pm
Tickets: $20/advance, $22/door, $10/teens 12-17,
children under 12 are free with paying adult.
Unitarian Fellowship, 4th and C Streets, Ashland

Born in Uganda, Kinobe is a gifted multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and composer whose early abilities in traditional African music quickly garnered acclaim on the world stage. Steeped in the music of his homeland, with ears and heart open to the pulse of the world - Kinobe is a unique artist. Together with his band, The African Sensation, they are the vanguard of Ugandan performers representing the inspired synthesis of African roots and global fusion. Driving polyrhythms underlay transcendent melodies on traditional African instruments – koras, kalimbas, adungus, endongos, balaphon, and percussion–to show, once again, that music is the most beautiful, universal language.

Kinobe is committed to bringing love and joy to people around the world, using music as a voice to create peace and to champion a better future for children everywhere. He is proud to be a World Vision Canada artist, supporting their work of combating poverty and improving the lives of children and their families around the world.

Kinobe has been performing internationally since the age of ten, captivating audiences with virtuoso performances of Ugandan roots music as well as original compositions, reflecting a wealth of African and world influences. A multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, Kinobe leads his listeners into the soul of African music with traditional instruments, songs, and stories from his homeland.

As an instrument-maker and teacher of traditional African instruments, Kinobe understands musical creation inside and out. His solo shows feature the kora (African harp), kalimba, tama, and an array of traditional percussive instruments, all crafted and brought to life by his skilled hands.

"As elusive as the concept of African unity may be, Kinobe Herbert is doing his part to realize it. The 25-year-old singer/multi-instrumentalist from Uganda rejects the fragmentation of the continent's often tradition-bound musical landscape, and instead actively seeks to incorporate influences and instruments from throughout Africa and beyond. Uganda's Kinobe makes music that transcends national boundaries. "
-Eric Snider, Florida Music

"This was the real deal! …Kinobe was as gracious off stage as on, no ego, no high maintenance. He was a consummate professional …and what a show! The audience was mesmerized, and dancing their collective booties off. The musicianship was the highest caliber and the band played tighter than two sizes too small pantyhose. To say the band was a hit at the Islands Folk Festival is an understatement, they ended up being the top selling CD artist for the entire Festival."
-Robert McCourty,Artistic Director, Cowichan Folk Guild, Islands Folk Festival

Place: Unitarian Fellowship, 4th and C Streets, Ashland
Cost: $30 each/$50 for both

2-4 p.m. Ugandan Choral Singing - Kinobe has scored and arranged beautiful traditional Ugandan songs for choral ensemble. A skilled teacher of Ugandan song and singing, he draws on his experience in African and world music to teach new techniques, styles, and compositions. He will provide written scores, mp3s of each part, and an mp3 with sample accompaniment.

4:30-6:30 p.m. African Drumming and Dance - Kinobe has traveled across Africa to study, teach, and perform alongside some of the finest percussionists on the continent today. He is a gifted drummer who has mastered the various rhythms and techniques of East and West African drumming. This is an exuberant art, full of swift, intricate patterns for both starting and experienced drummers.