AFRICAN VOICE AT G8 CONCERTS

BEN OKAFOR

This is an extract from Ben Okafor's website at www.benokafor.com

Internationally acclaimed singer / songwriter, actor and activist Ben Okafor performed in Edinburgh as part of the 'Make Poverty History' campaign events for the G8 summit.

Following a powerful contribution of word and song inside Westminster Abbey this April, as part of the 25, 000 strong all-night London vigil organised by the Trade Justice Movement, he was invited by Christian Aid to play a leading role in last summer's historic campaigning events.

Ben's music moves effortlessly between the best of African, Caribbean and 'World' folk-roots and reggae - a rich musical and lyrical heritage, encapsulating the strengths and struggles of the human spirit, in both the personal and political realms.

Born at Enugu, Nigeria, his music and early life were shaped by his experiences as a boy soldier, shouldering a Kalashnikov at 15 as his country was torn apart by civil war, - and his mother who often listened to Miriam Makeba, which in turn lead Ben to other influences including; James Brown, Jimmy Cliff, Fela Kuti, Bob Dylan and The Wailers.

Ben's latest single release 'Thing with War' is a disarmingly melodic protest song which implores all listeners, to give up the futility and falsehood of thinking that war can bring lasting solutions to our deepest needs. Fine words indeed - and when Ben sings them, you know he means it. (A minimum of 35% of proceeds from the single are donated to the work of The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers with whom he has a close working partnership).
A prolific live performer, Ben has won personal plaudits from Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as well as European performers including Bono of U2.

When Ben was invited by Christian Aid to participate further in the 'Make Poverty History' events, he leaped at the chance, stating,
" It is absolutely imperative that African artists like myself, and countless others, place ourselves in positions whereby we can perform, communicate and comment directly with others, in a dialogue based on mutual respect, and equality. As I frequently express in my work, - 'until the lions have their own historians - tales of the hunter shall always be glorified'. "