The Southburgh Festival of World Music, fundraiser for the Mudeka Foundation. Norfolk, 2 August 2014
The Southburgh Festival now in its sixth year, is a fundraiser for a very worthy cause – The Mudeka Foundation – it was an absolute privilege to be present here. The weather, for the most part was very kind and Anna Mudeka with her team had done a marvellous job of putting everything together in this lovely setting. All the bands and artists were a delight, and most of all I was picking up on so much positive energy, love, openness and friendliness which was totally welcoming and accepting and therefore made for a really relaxed and chilled day of fine music, food and company.
For the first time this year the festival featured two stages. The main stage amongst the barns, and the fringe stage just outside for the younger performers. There were also workshops, food outlets, a lovely bar, clean toilets, and a field marquee plus a story-telling TeePee for the children.
It was nice for the kids to be able to run around freely and play safely, and for the adults to mill around between stages and explore the various stalls selling their wares – some great African clothing and jewellery included.
The music on the main stage was provided by Stranger Culture (who closed the event with some fine roots reggae), The Anna Mudeka Band (whose set was typically energetic but also an extraordinary visual and aural delight) and a rousing singalong set by Myles Sanko, followed by OutathaBlues. Earlier we had Akabella, Farlenders, and a brilliant set by Horo Trio playing some jazz flavoured East European rhythms which I was very impressed by. Jack Pout was amongst their number, as was Jordan of Mammal Hands. The DooHickies also went down a storm – quite literally at one point when a sudden ‘alien induced downpour’ blew out the pa for a few moments, but that didn’t stop the music and in fact sparked some brilliant dancing in the rain.
The rain didn’t last long though and in fact King Tate provided one of the stand-out sets on the Fringe stage during the same downpour. There was some great talent here too with other performances by Rose Mason Dance, Zeta Dell- Smith, Holly Harrington, Oscar Elmon, and Miss Rita & Wolfman. King Tate had an article published about her appearance today here.
The Horo Trio
The Doohickies
King Tate
Stranger Culture
Anna Mudeka Band
Myles Sanko
It was a hugely enjoyable day, colourful and diverse with a real mixture of music, and all for such a great cause raising awareness of the plight of underprivileged children in Zimbabwe and providing education for Aids orphans.
Many thanks and much respect to Anna Mudeka and everyone involved.
More photos to follow…
words and photos, richard shashamane 2014
@RShashamane
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http://www.thebrecklandview.com/2014/08/04/audio-southburgh-festival-2014/
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Norwich: Music City, UK 
Name: Anna Mudeka
Email: southburghfestival [at!] gmail.com
Website: http://www.southburghfestival.com
Comment: What a brilliant write up from someone who understands and appreciates the arts. To have been able to embrace and capture such positivity at the festival was completely priceless. Myself as an artists have been photographed many times and I must say this is the first time I have truly appreciated and welcomed the opportunity to work with such a talented human being. We are not mighty beings capable of everything but it’s through people we meet in our life journey who fire us to want to do more for those most in need. Thank you on behalf of The Mudeka Foundation
Thank you so much for these incredibly kind and touching words, Anna, for me it was a privilege to be asked to cover what I thought was a truly inspiring and beautiful event, in a place where everybody was “giving” … it just shows what can happen when people come together for a greater cause but it needs that individual to bring the idea to life and hold it all together, something you have done brilliantly. Thank you.
Richard
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