One of world's biggest Afrobeats stars heading to Sunderland
He’s regarded as one of the most influential Afrobeats artists of all time - and you can see him live on stage in Sunderland.
The artist regarded as the father of Afrobeats is set to get the crowds dancing in Sunderland this summer.
2Baba, also known as 2Face, has millions of fans around the world, with seven million followers on Instagram alone.
Now, the celebrated Nigerian singer/songwriter, producer and entrepreneur is set to make his Sunderland debut.
Sunderland DJ Stanley Uyabeme, who performs as DJ Banko, runs an increasingly popular Afrobeats club night, which takes place once a month at Elysium in Green Terrace - and he’s managed to secure a performance from 2Baba.
The Afrobeats legend will take to the stage on Friday, August 28, and Stanley says it’s a great way to showcase the diversity of Sunderland’s music scene and the city’s growing international profile.
“We’ve brought a number of Afrobeats stars to our Banko Fam Jam club nights who’ve never been to Sunderland before, and neither has 2Face, but the reception, the people, the vibe, it was amazing,” said Stanley.
“Our club nights are inclusive of all cultures with RnB, dancehall and Afrobeats music. We started in Space Bar when there wasn’t a dedicated Afrobeats night in the city and it’s got more and more popular, meaning we had to move to Elysium which is much larger.”
DJ Banko has performed at a number of events in the city, including Public Record at the Fire Station - a show produced by Sunderland Culture and National Theatre which has since inspired a New York version - and the annual Unity in the Community event at Sunderland Minster.
With his sets, DJ Banko aims to bring communities together while showcasing the energy and global influence of African music.
He said: “I really enjoyed Public Record, a show that included everyone. After that, and with Sunderland becoming a Music City, I wanted to contribute to that with the club nights, to promote music and cultural connections.”
As a performer, DJ Banko has also shared the stage with international artists and also performs at private events, weddings, birthdays, clubs and cultural gatherings across the area.
*Banko Fam Jam presents The 2Baba Experience at Elysium, Green Terrace, on Friday, August 28 from 10pm to 4am. Tickets are available at fatsoma.com