Delivered annually, this event produced by the Milton Keynes Islamic Arts & Culture Organisation (MKIAC) is jam packed with creativity, connectivity and wonderful art for all to enjoy.
Come along and enjoy cultural music, international artists, carnival entertainment alongside live demonstrations and workshops. Inspired by Islamic arts, heritage and culture, encompassing both traditional and contemporary art forms, MKIAC covers a broad spectrum of inclusive arts-based events throughout the year. The groups primary focus is using the arts as a vehicle to overcome societal divisions and provide a sense of community in Milton Keynes.
This free event will take place on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th May in Campbell Park. The 2-day programme promises colourful performance, art installations and cultural stalls and food. Aar Maanta his band The Urban Nomads will play 4pm on Sunday 15th May 2022.
We hope to see you there!
Following the success of conferences in Somalia and Turkey, Global Somali Diaspora, is pleased to announce this year’s Global Somali Diaspora International Conference!
Join us on Saturday and Sunday November 28 and 29 from 9:00-18:00 GMT for the “International Global Somali Diaspora Annual Online Summit 2020, People and Environment: Challenges & Opportunities” This is an exciting opportunity to hear from established leaders and trailblazers within the Somali diaspora including Aar Maanta. This is surely not to be missed.
Aar Maanta is a Somali-British musician whose activism , work and creativity has led him to become a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). As a singer and songwriter, he has embraced a mix of styles that brings influences from rock and reggae together with traditional Somali and Arabic music. Aar Maanta’s songs are written in the traditional Somali poetic form using allegory and alliteration to address issues of relevance to Somali immigrants .
Art can bring communities together. For ten years, Milton Keynes Islamic Arts (MKIAC) has hosted a vibrant arts and culture festival in Milton Keynes, drawing thousands of local people of various backgrounds and nationalities. Last year Art at the Lake festival attracted over 10,600 people who enjoyed and interacted with performances, activities, exhibitions and displays, many reflecting that year’s theme – migration. New friendships were formed, diverse communities enjoyed showcasing their amazing heritage and greater understanding was achieved, all through art. For Art by the Lake 2020 the theme is the environment and digital, the programme will be designed to offer attendees opportunities to reflect on the many facets of our environment, renewable energies and emerging technology. Aar Maanta and his band The Urban Nomads will be performing on the main stage at 17:15 hope you could join us #ArtMK
A day full of fun and literature the whole family can enjoy, Somali Week Festival presents Children’s Day! Begin the afternoon with Somali-American children’s author Habso J. Mohamud for the launch of her brand-new book It Only Takes One Yes in which Habso hopes to inspire children — especially young girls — to see themselves as being able to make a difference in the world. This will include a reading of the book and games.
The second part of the afternoon will be dedicated to Ubadkaa Mudnaanta Leh (“Children Have Priority”), a new bilingual Somali-English children’s album created by London-based Somali artist Aar Maanta and youth from Minneapolis, Minnesota’s Cedar Riverside neighbourhood. With lyrics by the prolific Somali playwright and poet Said Salax, the album flows between generations and genres, mixing traditional Somali music with hip-hop influenced beats, spoken word and poetry, Islamic greetings, educational children’s songs, and much much more! This portion of the day will include a 10-minute showing of the Making of the Album documentary, a sing-along session and an acoustic performance by Aar Maanta.
Aar Maanta is a Somali musician whose music embraces an eclectic mix of styles including influences from rock and reggae jostling with traditional Arabic and Somali music.
Tahriib (meaning irregular migration) is the first studio album created by London-based Somali artist Aar Maanta and his multicultural band The Urban Nomads.
The album flows between genres, mixing traditional Somali music with funk, jazz and reggae influenced beats. Written in the traditional Somali poetic form using allegory and alliteration the album tackles issues of importance to the large Somali community in the Diaspora and those back in horn of Africa.
Joining the bill is special guest Maryam Mursal, one of Somalia’s greatest voices and ‘Real World Records’ artist.
SAT 8 JUN – Open The Gate 10th Anniversary Festival
12 midday – 1am – FREE ENTRY
Join us as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of our cultural organisation Open The Gate!
Expect a 13 hours FREE Festival packed up with:
– LIVE MUSIC on stage:
The most talented African & Diaspora artists on our roster, both established and upcoming, that we have had the privilege to support since 2009,
– The African Market:
A selection of designers and makers who strive in ethical and sustainable practices, bringing you unique fashion, accessories, homeware, natural beauty products, books and art
– Family & Children Workshops:
Learn drumming and dancing on traditional and new rhythms, arts & crafts to bring home, or get your face painted as a wild animal,
– African street food:
Homemade traditional Nigerian cuisine with a modern twist
– Massage therapy and wellness,
– And lots of treats and surprises all day long!
Open The Gate 10th Anniversary Festival is a homage to YOU
the community of fans & followers, creative minds and volunteers who have supported our project and activities since 2009.
LINE UP:
12:00 – 14:00 DRUMSONG Workshop
14:00 Pumpkin Jigsaw (Samba) from the street to the dancefloor
14:30 Siemy Di (Congo/Brazil) drumkit virtuoso
15:15 Seddik Zebiri – (Algeria) mandola solo
16:00 ESE & The Vooduu People (Nigeria/London) electric soul
17:00 Luzmira Zerpa (Venezuela) – brand new project!
18:00 Dubhouse Band feat Samurai, Grace & Diletta, TiBiO
19:30 Simo Lagnawi & Gnawa London (Morocco)
20:00 Tribute to Maestro Baba Adesose Wallace
20:30 Aar Maanta (Somaila)
22:00 Abdoulaye Samb Minnjiaraby (Senegal)
23:30 Kodjovi Kush & Afrospot All Stars (Togo)
Hosted by Usifu Jalloh The Cowfoot Prince
DJs: Open The Gate Sound, Debbie Golt, Jamie Renton, Cello, Angus Taylor, Motorino, more TBC
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Plan your visit:
– The event is indoors, and starts at 12noon and closes at 1am.
– It is free entry all along and all workshops are free to take part in.
– It’s highly recommended to come early, as children activities run 12-4pm; and whilst food hasn’t run out yet!
– The venue is accessible by wheelchair users and there will be a dedicated space to park your pushchair.
Why you should attend:
– It’s a one-of-a-kind event in London, with a very inclusive and festive atmosphere
– It’s the perfect place to meet new people and network as we create a platform for amateurs and professionals alike to connect around African and diaspora cultures, arts, music and designers-makers
– It’s only once a year!
An unmissable fabulous 13 hours non-stop festival… FREE ENTRY all day long from midday to midnight!
To get involved or book a stall, please email us at: theafricanmarket@openthegate.org.uk
Ubadkaa Mudnaanta Leh (“Children Have Priority”) is a new bilingual Somali-English children’s album created by London-based Somali artist Aar Maanta and youth from Minneapolis, Minnesota’s Cedar Riverside neighborhood. The album flows between generations and genres, mixing traditional Somali music with hip-hop influenced beats, spoken word and poetry, Islamic greetings, educational children’s songs, and much more. Ubadkaa Mudnaanta Leh was produced by Greg Grease of astralblak, engineered by Medium Zach, and collaboratively written by Aar Maanta, Somali playwright, poet, educator and filmmaker Said Salah, and 20+ youth and teenagers from the Cedar Riverside neighborhood. Ubadkaa Mudnaanta Leh was funded by a 2018 Joyce Award from The Joyce Foundation, the only regional program dedicated to supporting artists of color in major Great Lakes cities with the goal of elevating their visibility and recognition in their craft.
For the album release at The Cedar on 3/22, Aar Maanta & Friends will be joined by storytellers from The Children’s Theatre Company and a fashion show curated by Sisterhood Boutique, creating a free, family friendly evening of entertainment that’s welcome to all.
Order of Evening:
6:00pm – Doors open. Food and snacks will be provided starting at 6pm.
6:30pm – Children’s Theatre Company short story readings
7:00pm – Sisterhood Boutique Fashion Show
7:45pm – Aar Maanta & Friends performance
9:00pm – Q&A with Professor Said Salah
SO AFRICA presents the Spirit Of Africa Festival Ft.
Dele Sosimi and the Afrobeat Orchestra (feat Breis) will headline the final evening of performances in the Crucible Theatre for the Spirit of Africa Festival, with support from artist Aar Maanta.
7.00pm (doors open at 6.30pm)
Aar Maanta is described by young Somalis in the UK as ‘the voice of our generation’ because his songs discuss a range of issues of interest to Somali immigrants. His vocals have been touted as ‘almost Middle Eastern in feel’, with a broad singing range and laidback delivery. A multi-instrumentalist, he plays the keyboard and oud, the latter of which is a staple of traditional Somali, Arabic and North African music.