GUMBOOTS AT VILLAGE UNDERGROUND / THE MELTDOWN AT C.A.M.P / VLOS AT RICH MIX / VLOS CHRISTMAS FASHION PARTY

Winter is kicking in here in the UK whilst the rains have finally started to fall over in Malawi. We had a great Saturday last week with vinspiredLOS shows in Bristol, Manchester and London. Big thanks to the volunteers who helped pull it all together - especial thanks to Nihal, Chris Beat Monkey and Ross Allen for rocking it in Bristol at our joint gig with Malawi charity Temwa.

This time round it's all about London as we have our final 2009 shows at the Rich Mix arts centre in Shoreditch, then a fantastic charity event at Village Underground on Monday. One of our core volunteers, Eddie Fitzpatrick, is launching The Meltdown on 3rd Dec with Ross Allen at new venue C.A.M.P and then we have a Christmas fashion party in the Britannia pub in Victoria Park on Dec 12th.

Take your pick or come to them all, hope to see you there x

Friday Nov 27th:

Strike + vinspired Lake of Stars DJ's at Rich Mix - Luca Aquino and Raffaelle Casarano perform together at the Shoreditch arts centre...

Strike at Rich Mix

Saturday Nov 28th:

Alcazaba + vinspired Lake of Stars DJ's at Rich Mix - an evening of Flamenco, Middle Eastern and Indian music...

Alcazaba at Rich Mix

Monday 30th Nov:

Brilliant night of South African music all in aid of the Gumboots Foundation...

Gumboots website

Thursday 3rd Dec and every Thursday onwards:

Ross Allen and Eddie launch The Meltdown at James Priestley's (Secret Sundaze) new venue...

Meltdown on Facebook


Saturday 12th Dec:

vinspiredLOS join up with Round London for an all dayer Christmas fashion party in the cosy Britannia pub in Victoria Park...

Facebook

GUMBOOTS AT VILLAGE UNDERGROUND / THE MELTDOWN AT C.A.M.P / VLOS AT RICH MIX / VLOS CHRISTMAS FASHION PARTY

Winter is kicking in here in the UK whilst the rains have finally started to fall over in Malawi. We had a great Saturday last week with vinspiredLOS shows in Bristol, Manchester and London. Big thanks to the volunteers who helped pull it all together - especial thanks to Nihal, Chris Beat Monkey and Ross Allen for rocking it in Bristol at our joint gig with Malawi charity Temwa.

This time round it's all about London as we have our final 2009 shows at the Rich Mix arts centre in Shoreditch, then a fantastic charity event at Village Underground on Monday. One of our core volunteers, Eddie Fitzpatrick, is launching The Meltdown on 3rd Dec with Ross Allen at new venue C.A.M.P and then we have a Christmas fashion party in the Britannia pub in Victoria Park on Dec 12th.

Take your pick or come to them all, hope to see you there x

Friday Nov 27th:

Strike + vinspired Lake of Stars DJ's at Rich Mix - Luca Aquino and Raffaelle Casarano perform together at the Shoreditch arts centre...

Strike at Rich Mix

Saturday Nov 28th:

Alcazaba + vinspired Lake of Stars DJ's at Rich Mix - an evening of Flamenco, Middle Eastern and Indian music...

Alcazaba at Rich Mix

Monday 30th Nov:

Brilliant night of South African music all in aid of the Gumboots Foundation...

Gumboots website

Thursday 3rd Dec and every Thursday onwards:

Ross Allen and Eddie launch The Meltdown at James Priestley's (Secret Sundaze) new venue...

Meltdown on Facebook


Saturday 12th Dec:

vinspiredLOS join up with Round London for an all dayer Christmas fashion party in the cosy Britannia pub in Victoria Park...

Facebook

Sharp photography from Steve McInerny

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I have a keen interest in Malawi, and wanted to get involved with the festival and it's music, and improve my music photography portfolio.

What did you do?

I covered a warm-up event and a youth talent showcase for LoS in London, and was a photographer at the festival in Malawi. I was given a detailed brief to follow, which I worked with the other photographer, Mark, to cover. This wasn't just covering the acts on stage and sponsor branding. Assignments also included a visit to a Microloan Foundation project in Mangochi, which was very inspiring to see, and the Pamodzi Cup football tournament between local village football teams, organised to encourage people to get tested for HIV.

What next?

I want to to more music and travel photography in future, and hope to stay in touch with and support LoS. This has also been invaluable experience in seeing how to work with volunteers and organise events, which is useful for the work I do for Ganet's Adventure School Fund to help a village primary school near Nkhata Bay, Malawi.

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

Absolutely. There are many volunteer organisations out there, so do your research and be sure to choose one, like LoS and vinspired, which values its volunteers and doesn't simply exploit them. It's a great chance to get involved with an area which isn't necessarily part of your current career. If you work in a very commercial environment, as I do, then it's a great opportunity to use your skills to give something back to the the community. Make sure that you have an idea of what you want to get out of the experience beforehand, and then get stuck in!

www.sharpsharp.co.uk
Buy Christmas cards online to support Ganet's Adventure School, Malawi

Sharp photography from Steve McInerny

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I have a keen interest in Malawi, and wanted to get involved with the festival and it's music, and improve my music photography portfolio.

What did you do?

I covered a warm-up event and a youth talent showcase for LoS in London, and was a photographer at the festival in Malawi. I was given a detailed brief to follow, which I worked with the other photographer, Mark, to cover. This wasn't just covering the acts on stage and sponsor branding. Assignments also included a visit to a Microloan Foundation project in Mangochi, which was very inspiring to see, and the Pamodzi Cup football tournament between local village football teams, organised to encourage people to get tested for HIV.

What next?

I want to to more music and travel photography in future, and hope to stay in touch with and support LoS. This has also been invaluable experience in seeing how to work with volunteers and organise events, which is useful for the work I do for Ganet's Adventure School Fund to help a village primary school near Nkhata Bay, Malawi.

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

Absolutely. There are many volunteer organisations out there, so do your research and be sure to choose one, like LoS and vinspired, which values its volunteers and doesn't simply exploit them. It's a great chance to get involved with an area which isn't necessarily part of your current career. If you work in a very commercial environment, as I do, then it's a great opportunity to use your skills to give something back to the the community. Make sure that you have an idea of what you want to get out of the experience beforehand, and then get stuck in!

www.sharpsharp.co.uk
Buy Christmas cards online to support Ganet's Adventure School, Malawi

Transglobal Rich Mix

Saturday November 21st vinspired Lake of Stars Take-Over

London gig - Transglobal Underground at the Rich Mix

Saturday November 21st will be remembered among the Lake of Stars fans for the massive array of vinspired Lake of Stars events held UK-wide. With nights in Manchester, Bristol and London we really can say LOS took over the night scene.

While some crew members had gone off to Manchester and Bristol, I was one of the crew getting ready for the London performance of Transglobal Underground.

Across the hall from the Lake of Stars office, here at the Rich Mix, the London based collective Transglobal Underground or TUG geared up for one of their last performances of the year. Notorious for live performances with belly dancers, Nepalese temple guards, and fiery costumes, who knew what they could be up to?

The audience downstairs was packing the room with positive vibes and lots of energy. When the band came onstage, Middle Eastern sounds and dub invaded the room. In this auditorium, TUG seemed to be playing a jam session among old friends, with a laid back groove taking over the audience. Since the early 90s, this band has been responsible for many top hits like “Temple Head” and the more recent “Dancehall Operator”.


This time around the band performed an upbeat 90 minute set with percussionist Rav making sure no one took a breather. As I saw one audience member take off his boots, leave them on the stage and sway incessantly to the music, I knew Transglobal had managed, right here in the centre of London, to transport us to another world.

Words and pictures by Laura@Lake of Stars
For volunteering opportunities visit vinspired.com

Transglobal Rich Mix

Saturday November 21st vinspired Lake of Stars Take-Over

London gig - Transglobal Underground at the Rich Mix

Saturday November 21st will be remembered among the Lake of Stars fans for the massive array of vinspired Lake of Stars events held UK-wide. With nights in Manchester, Bristol and London we really can say LOS took over the night scene.

While some crew members had gone off to Manchester and Bristol, I was one of the crew getting ready for the London performance of Transglobal Underground.

Across the hall from the Lake of Stars office, here at the Rich Mix, the London based collective Transglobal Underground or TUG geared up for one of their last performances of the year. Notorious for live performances with belly dancers, Nepalese temple guards, and fiery costumes, who knew what they could be up to?

The audience downstairs was packing the room with positive vibes and lots of energy. When the band came onstage, Middle Eastern sounds and dub invaded the room. In this auditorium, TUG seemed to be playing a jam session among old friends, with a laid back groove taking over the audience. Since the early 90s, this band has been responsible for many top hits like “Temple Head” and the more recent “Dancehall Operator”.


This time around the band performed an upbeat 90 minute set with percussionist Rav making sure no one took a breather. As I saw one audience member take off his boots, leave them on the stage and sway incessantly to the music, I knew Transglobal had managed, right here in the centre of London, to transport us to another world.

Words and pictures by Laura@Lake of Stars
For volunteering opportunities visit vinspired.com

Volunteer profile - Asso, London

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I have just started my degree in Event Management, so I thought getting involved with vLOS and helping out with events in the UK would be fantastic experience for me.

What did you do?

I worked in the office, maintained the volunteer database, co-ordinated volunteers for UK-based events, helped out with the marketing of the Autumn season of events presented in conjunction with Rich Mix, made a video about the project and worked at the Seth Lakeman gig in Folkestone and Cut It Loose night in London in September. And got to chat with SWAY.

What next?

I'm using the experience and contacts gained to help me with my degree and hopefully pursue my dream career in the future.

Would you recommend volunteering for young people?

I've never volunteered before and I'm having so much fun! People have such a misconception about volunteering, it's traditionally portrayed in such a negative light but we can show people that they can volunteer in an area that they are interested in and they can enjoy it.

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities on vinspired.com

Words by Asso Tono

Volunteer profile - Asso, London

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I have just started my degree in Event Management, so I thought getting involved with vLOS and helping out with events in the UK would be fantastic experience for me.

What did you do?

I worked in the office, maintained the volunteer database, co-ordinated volunteers for UK-based events, helped out with the marketing of the Autumn season of events presented in conjunction with Rich Mix, made a video about the project and worked at the Seth Lakeman gig in Folkestone and Cut It Loose night in London in September. And got to chat with SWAY.

What next?

I'm using the experience and contacts gained to help me with my degree and hopefully pursue my dream career in the future.

Would you recommend volunteering for young people?

I've never volunteered before and I'm having so much fun! People have such a misconception about volunteering, it's traditionally portrayed in such a negative light but we can show people that they can volunteer in an area that they are interested in and they can enjoy it.

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities on vinspired.com

Words by Asso Tono

Vinspired Lake of Stars and the Rich Mix presents:
Saturday November 21st, 2009
TRANSGLOBAL UNDERGROUND
8pm-late
£9 advanced, £13 at the door

Transglobal Underground is a musical platform that formed in London in the early 90s. Born out of the desire to mix London’s vibrant multicultural musical scene into a new beat, these guys are the pick of the bunch in terms of world music.

Their unique sound has seen them tour the world with an ever growing line up. They became famous for their live shows featuring belly-dancers and extravagant costumes. Hip-hop, reggae, bhangra, traditional instruments and percussions are their preferred sounds.

This is definitely not one to miss-come along and experience the full force of Transglobal Underground!

Find more info about the band on their website:
www.transglobalunderground.net
and on the event in:
www.richmix.org.uk

See you Saturday!
Laura-Lake of Stars team

Vinspired Lake of Stars and the Rich Mix presents:
Saturday November 21st, 2009
TRANSGLOBAL UNDERGROUND
8pm-late
£9 advanced, £13 at the door

Transglobal Underground is a musical platform that formed in London in the early 90s. Born out of the desire to mix London’s vibrant multicultural musical scene into a new beat, these guys are the pick of the bunch in terms of world music.

Their unique sound has seen them tour the world with an ever growing line up. They became famous for their live shows featuring belly-dancers and extravagant costumes. Hip-hop, reggae, bhangra, traditional instruments and percussions are their preferred sounds.

This is definitely not one to miss-come along and experience the full force of Transglobal Underground!

Find more info about the band on their website:
www.transglobalunderground.net
and on the event in:
www.richmix.org.uk

See you Saturday!
Laura-Lake of Stars team

Nigerian "Art Music"

Over the years there have been efforts to adapt African music to Western "classical" instrumentation and forms. One of the countries where this has been most successful is Nigeria, where this genre is called "Art Music."

In his book The World of African Music (Pluto Press/Research Associates, 1992), Ronnie Graham briefly discusses Nigerian Art Music and regrets that it hasn't gotten more attention. Among the composers Graham cites are Lazarus Ekwueme, Samuel Akpabot and Josiah Ransome-Kuti, a pastor and choral music composer who was the grandfather of Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

I've had little exposure to Nigerian Art Music. During a visit to Lagos in 1994, I came across a stack of LPs in the Jazz Hole, but passed them up (they were rather pricey), something I now regret. Recently, however, I was going through a box of my late father's things, and found a recording of African Suite (London LPS 426, 1951), probably the best-known composition of
Fela Sowande, left, considered by many the father of Nigerian Art Music.

Olufela Sowande was born on May 29, 1905, in Abeokuta, a historically important city that was the capital of the Egba United Government, an independent entity which became part of the British Protectorate of Nigeria in 1914. Sowande was introduced by his father, an Anglican priest, to choral music and was an accomplished pianist by the time he graduated from Kings College in Lagos. Exposure to jazz broadcasts from abroad led him to found the Triumph Dance Club Orchestra in the early 1930s.

During his studies in London to become a civil engineer, Sowande supported himself as a jazz musician, befriending a number of African American musicians in the process, notably Paul Robeson and Fats Waller. In 1940 he performed his own compositions on the BBC Africa Service and later served as Music Director of the Colonial Film Unit.

African Suite was recorded and released by Decca Records in the UK in 1951. This is apparently the same version, performed by the New Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Trevor Harvey, that I discovered in my father's posessions. The liner notes of a later recording state:

The African Suite, written in 1944, combines well-known West African musics with European forces and methods. For the opening movement, "Joyful Day," Sowande uses a melody written by Ghanaian composer Ephrain Amu, as he does in the fourth movement, "Onipe." In "Nostalgia," Sowande composes a traditional slow movement to express his nostalgia for the homeland (in itself a rather European idea). At the centre of the work is a restive "Lullaby," based on a folk original.

The finale of the Suite, "Akinla," traces a very singular musical history. It began as a popular Highlife tune - Highlife being a pungent, 20th-century style, combining colonial Western military and popular music with West African elements and a history of its own. Sowande then featured it as a cornerstone of his "argument" that West African music could be heard on European terms: the African Suite was originally broadcast by the BBC to the British colonies in Africa. Years later, in another colony far away, the sturdy Highlife dance tune became famous as the theme song of the long-running CBC Radio programme "Gilmour's Albums", a typically idiosyncratic choice of the host, Clyde Gilmour.

Despite working in a "Western" musical idiom, Sowande was very much a cultural nationalist and composed his last major work, Nigerian Folk Symphony, to mark his homeland's independence from Britain in 1960. However, Bode Omojola writes in his 1995 book Nigerian Art Music that:

He believed in the philosophy of cultural reciprocity and argued against what he called "apartheid in art." According to him: "We are not prepared to submit to the doctrine of apartheid in art by which a musician is expected to work only within the limits of his traditional forms of music." He therefore warned against: "uncontrolled nationalism in which case nationals of any one country may forget that they are all members of one human family with other nationals."

Following a long and fruitful career composing and teaching at Princeton, the University of Ibadan, Howard University and the University of Pittsburgh, Sowande died of a stroke in Ravenna, Ohio on March 13, 1987.

I confess that I'm not in a position to evaluate African Suite as a classical music composition, although it's certainly pleasant enough. The liner notes by Sowande (below, click to enlarge) shed some light on the thinking and influences behind the piece. I would be interested to hear from readers and listeners who have more personal knowledge of the folk tunes that were incorporated into the composition. African Suite is an illustration of the many varied forms that "African music" takes. Enjoy!

The New Symphony Orchestra - Joyful Day

The New Symphony Orchestra - Nostalgia

The New Symphony Orchestra - Onipe

The New Symphony Orchestra - Lullaby

The New Symphony Orchestra - Akinla

African Suite can be downloaded as a zipped file here.

Letters from the Lakeside ...

An aspiring young journalist from Liverpool currently volunteering in Malawi popped along to vinspired Lake of Stars to have a look. Read the first in Becki Cole's series of reviews of the 2009 festival here ...


The vinspired Lake of Stars experience was an absolute pleasure: a truly incredible weekend in a truly incredible setting. Nkopola Lodge has to be one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever had the joy of visiting and the festival is undoubtedly the most relaxed and positively enjoyable I’ve attended. I couldn’t believe the beauty of the place – the palm-fringed coastline, sweeping sandy beach and glistening waters were truly breathtaking. Three well-stocked bars, a cracking line-up and a pretty impressive Funktion 1 sound system further ensured the stage was set for a memorable weekend. I was pretty lucky to have accidentally timed my five month voluntary work placement in Malawi to coincide with vLOS. Whilst I was ultimately at the event to have fun and experience my first festival abroad, I’d also set myself the task of writing an article about the event for a local paper back home in Liverpool so it was a bit of a working holiday. Still fantastic though!

For me, the highlight of the weekend’s music was definitely The Maccabees. They played a blinding set and looked so happy to be there. Changing the lyrics of ‘Wall of Arms’ to “They who are my army, Lake of Stars behind me” was a touching way to say thank you. Whilst interviewing the guys the next day, guitarists Felix and Hugo White declared they’d recommend attending or playing the festival to anyone. Evidently moved by the previous night’s reception, lead singer Orlando Weeks admitted that they’d actually been pretty nervous before going on stage: “It was a huge responsibility but the crowd seemed to really enjoy it, we had a great time too.

“The audience were such a long way from home that we knew we had to be at our best.” On their first trip to Africa and only able to stay for four days due to European tour commitments, they were already smitten with the place. They declared they wanted to put their names down for next year’s event the second they came off stage. Felix said: “We absolutely loved it! There’s such a diverse mix of talent we were flattered just to be part of it.”

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words by Becki Cole, photos by Steve McInerny, Peter Koudstaal and Sophie Epstone

Letters from the Lakeside ...

An aspiring young journalist from Liverpool currently volunteering in Malawi popped along to vinspired Lake of Stars to have a look. Read the first in Becki Cole's series of reviews of the 2009 festival here ...


The vinspired Lake of Stars experience was an absolute pleasure: a truly incredible weekend in a truly incredible setting. Nkopola Lodge has to be one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever had the joy of visiting and the festival is undoubtedly the most relaxed and positively enjoyable I’ve attended. I couldn’t believe the beauty of the place – the palm-fringed coastline, sweeping sandy beach and glistening waters were truly breathtaking. Three well-stocked bars, a cracking line-up and a pretty impressive Funktion 1 sound system further ensured the stage was set for a memorable weekend. I was pretty lucky to have accidentally timed my five month voluntary work placement in Malawi to coincide with vLOS. Whilst I was ultimately at the event to have fun and experience my first festival abroad, I’d also set myself the task of writing an article about the event for a local paper back home in Liverpool so it was a bit of a working holiday. Still fantastic though!

For me, the highlight of the weekend’s music was definitely The Maccabees. They played a blinding set and looked so happy to be there. Changing the lyrics of ‘Wall of Arms’ to “They who are my army, Lake of Stars behind me” was a touching way to say thank you. Whilst interviewing the guys the next day, guitarists Felix and Hugo White declared they’d recommend attending or playing the festival to anyone. Evidently moved by the previous night’s reception, lead singer Orlando Weeks admitted that they’d actually been pretty nervous before going on stage: “It was a huge responsibility but the crowd seemed to really enjoy it, we had a great time too.

“The audience were such a long way from home that we knew we had to be at our best.” On their first trip to Africa and only able to stay for four days due to European tour commitments, they were already smitten with the place. They declared they wanted to put their names down for next year’s event the second they came off stage. Felix said: “We absolutely loved it! There’s such a diverse mix of talent we were flattered just to be part of it.”

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words by Becki Cole, photos by Steve McInerny, Peter Koudstaal and Sophie Epstone

Volunteer profile - Brian, London

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I’m from Zimbabwe, and I’m working with several different refugee and charitable projects in London. I liked the idea of getting involved with vLOS because my ambition is to open my own recording studio and start my own festival back in Africa, as my passion is music.

What did you do?

In the UK I: worked in the office, researched and booked my own fundraising event, including finding a venue, choosing and confirming acts to play, promoting the night and managing the budget, was involved in a lot of online promotion for the festival itself and many of the fundraising nights throughout the year, helped out at many of these events, which enabled me to travel all over the country and attended conferences and events to help to research ways in which we can expand vinspired Lake of Stars in the future.

What next?

Through volunteering with vLOS I have not only really improved my computer skills, but I have also been able to secure some work experience at a recording studio in London, which are both really fundamental for me.

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

Yes. I've enjoyed it because I have had the opportunity to put on my own fundraising event to raise awareness of African refugees in the UK, which I think is really important. The skills I've learnt delivering this will be really useful when I begin to think seriously about putting on events in the UK and Zimbabwe.

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photo by Brian Chizambire, vinspired volunteer

Volunteer profile - Brian, London

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I’m from Zimbabwe, and I’m working with several different refugee and charitable projects in London. I liked the idea of getting involved with vLOS because my ambition is to open my own recording studio and start my own festival back in Africa, as my passion is music.

What did you do?

In the UK I: worked in the office, researched and booked my own fundraising event, including finding a venue, choosing and confirming acts to play, promoting the night and managing the budget, was involved in a lot of online promotion for the festival itself and many of the fundraising nights throughout the year, helped out at many of these events, which enabled me to travel all over the country and attended conferences and events to help to research ways in which we can expand vinspired Lake of Stars in the future.

What next?

Through volunteering with vLOS I have not only really improved my computer skills, but I have also been able to secure some work experience at a recording studio in London, which are both really fundamental for me.

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

Yes. I've enjoyed it because I have had the opportunity to put on my own fundraising event to raise awareness of African refugees in the UK, which I think is really important. The skills I've learnt delivering this will be really useful when I begin to think seriously about putting on events in the UK and Zimbabwe.

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photo by Brian Chizambire, vinspired volunteer

A Heads Up

If you like the music of Somalia's Iftin and Dur Dur, featured some time ago in this space, let me direct your attention to Andreas Wetter's new blog Kezira, whose latest post features a whole cassette by Dur Dur, recorded some time in the early 1990s.

As Andreas tells it, the developing civil war in Somalia forced the group across the border to Ethiopia, where Africa was recorded and released by Elham Video Electronics in the provincial town of Negele. Vocalist Sahra Dawo, who has drawn raves hereabouts, features on several tracks.

While I'm at it, let me comment on the current state of the African music blogosphere, whose quality has advanced dramatically in the last couple of years. Notable in this regard are three sites - African Music Treasures, Electric Jive and World Service, whose proprietors regularly grace us with their knowledge and insight. This is not to slight outstanding work also by Oro, Global Groove and Freedom Blues, whose copious postings of hard-to-find recordings have forced me to buy a new hard drive. I'm overwhelmed really - I just haven't had time to listen to all the great music that's come my way, thanks to these busy beavers.

Volunteer profile - Dwiko, London

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I got made redundant and I wanted to get involved with a project that interested me. I have always followed vinspired, I signed up to their mailing list and saw a link to vinspired Lake of Stars, so I contacted Tom in the office and asked if I could get involved - it all took off from there really.

What did you do?

In the UK I: was mainly involved in photography work, I covered the interviews some other volunteers did with DJ Yoda and Radioclit, plus I went to V festival and interviewed some of the acts myself about why volunteering is important for festivals. Next week I will be conducting a post-festival interview with the Maccabees and I'm currently going through all the footage of this year's festival to select images to produce a photobook.

What next?

I’m using the experience and contacts gained to improve my photography portfolio, aswell as continuing to be involved in a really interesting project - if time is kind to me I’ll be able to be involved more in future events.

I’ve gone back to work as a freelance photographer in London and anywhere else in the world someone will pay me to visit!

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

Of course. Volunteering can take you to places that you can never imagine, like Malawi! It can also give you access to cool spots, like backstage access to the Strongbow tent at the V festival where I mingled with the stars.

If you're 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photo by Dwiko Arie, vinpsired volunteer

Volunteer profile - Dwiko, London

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I got made redundant and I wanted to get involved with a project that interested me. I have always followed vinspired, I signed up to their mailing list and saw a link to vinspired Lake of Stars, so I contacted Tom in the office and asked if I could get involved - it all took off from there really.

What did you do?

In the UK I: was mainly involved in photography work, I covered the interviews some other volunteers did with DJ Yoda and Radioclit, plus I went to V festival and interviewed some of the acts myself about why volunteering is important for festivals. Next week I will be conducting a post-festival interview with the Maccabees and I'm currently going through all the footage of this year's festival to select images to produce a photobook.

What next?

I’m using the experience and contacts gained to improve my photography portfolio, aswell as continuing to be involved in a really interesting project - if time is kind to me I’ll be able to be involved more in future events.

I’ve gone back to work as a freelance photographer in London and anywhere else in the world someone will pay me to visit!

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

Of course. Volunteering can take you to places that you can never imagine, like Malawi! It can also give you access to cool spots, like backstage access to the Strongbow tent at the V festival where I mingled with the stars.

If you're 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photo by Dwiko Arie, vinpsired volunteer

Volunteer profile - Jenny, Birmingham

<\div>Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I am studying African Studies at university, and I’ve spent time in Malawi before, so I was really interested to get involved with vLOS. I didn’t have anything organised for my summer holiday so volunteering seemed like the perfect thing for me to do.

What did you do?

In the UK I: was a project co-ordinator, working in the office, monitoring and processing volunteer applications, liaising with contacts in Malawi to provide information for the vLOS website, organised a volunteer fundraiser in Birmingham, involving booking a venue and artists, recruiting volunteers, artist liaison, managing a budget and event management on the night.

In Malawi I: was a steward manager, co-ordinating volunteer staff at the gate and information point, I helped out in Festival Control, worked shifts on the Box Office and helped during the festival build on the site infrastructure.

What next?

I’m in my second year at university so I'm going to complete my degree - I'm not really sure what I want to do career-wise in the future, I have really enjoyed co-ordinating my own event and also liaising with contacts in Africa, which will really help me with my degree.

Would you recommend volunteering to other young people?

Absolutely! Volunteering with vinspired Lake of Stars has confirmed to me that I want to be involved in similar projects in the future.

If you're 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photo by Jenny Bowie

Volunteer profile - Jenny, Birmingham

<\div>Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I am studying African Studies at university, and I’ve spent time in Malawi before, so I was really interested to get involved with vLOS. I didn’t have anything organised for my summer holiday so volunteering seemed like the perfect thing for me to do.

What did you do?

In the UK I: was a project co-ordinator, working in the office, monitoring and processing volunteer applications, liaising with contacts in Malawi to provide information for the vLOS website, organised a volunteer fundraiser in Birmingham, involving booking a venue and artists, recruiting volunteers, artist liaison, managing a budget and event management on the night.

In Malawi I: was a steward manager, co-ordinating volunteer staff at the gate and information point, I helped out in Festival Control, worked shifts on the Box Office and helped during the festival build on the site infrastructure.

What next?

I’m in my second year at university so I'm going to complete my degree - I'm not really sure what I want to do career-wise in the future, I have really enjoyed co-ordinating my own event and also liaising with contacts in Africa, which will really help me with my degree.

Would you recommend volunteering to other young people?

Absolutely! Volunteering with vinspired Lake of Stars has confirmed to me that I want to be involved in similar projects in the future.

If you're 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photo by Jenny Bowie

Volunteer profile - Errol, London

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I joined Lake Of Stars because I thought it would be a great opportunity to gain an experience of the journalist’s role at first-hand. Meeting new people is something I really like doing; combine this with my love for music and my interest in the project it is all but explained.

What did you do?

In the UK I: was able to encounter different forms of music and talk to those who created it, bop my head religiously to unfamiliar sounds and generally enjoy the atmosphere of a performance on several occasions. I was also involved in interviewing musicians and providing pre-event blog entries and post-event summaries for those I attended.

What next?

I’m using the experience and contacts gained to continue writing and improve my skills as a journalist, something I really love doing. I’ve gone back to studying for my final year of college. Next year I hope to go to university, A Level results pending.

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

I would definitely recommend volunteering to other young people, because for the major part of it you are independent – not to foreshadow the assistance that was always available to me. If you want to gain an experience of something you’re interested in or just want to use some spare time wisely, be sure to get in contact.

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photo by Errol Anderson, vinspired volunteer

Volunteer profile - Errol, London

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I joined Lake Of Stars because I thought it would be a great opportunity to gain an experience of the journalist’s role at first-hand. Meeting new people is something I really like doing; combine this with my love for music and my interest in the project it is all but explained.

What did you do?

In the UK I: was able to encounter different forms of music and talk to those who created it, bop my head religiously to unfamiliar sounds and generally enjoy the atmosphere of a performance on several occasions. I was also involved in interviewing musicians and providing pre-event blog entries and post-event summaries for those I attended.

What next?

I’m using the experience and contacts gained to continue writing and improve my skills as a journalist, something I really love doing. I’ve gone back to studying for my final year of college. Next year I hope to go to university, A Level results pending.

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

I would definitely recommend volunteering to other young people, because for the major part of it you are independent – not to foreshadow the assistance that was always available to me. If you want to gain an experience of something you’re interested in or just want to use some spare time wisely, be sure to get in contact.

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photo by Errol Anderson, vinspired volunteer

Unknown Fela: Stratavarious

In 1971, after several years of musical experimentation following the breakup of the super-group Cream, British drummer Ginger Baker made his way to Lagos, Nigeria, where he helped set up EMI's new 16-track recording studio. It was here that Baker re-united with his friend Fela Anikulapo Kuti (then known as Fela Ransome-Kuti) and recorded Stratavarious (Atco SD 7013), one of the first collaborations between an African musician and a Western rock star.

To the best of my knowledge, Stratavarious has been out of print ever since it was released in 1972 and consigned to oblivion shortly thereafter, although one or two cuts from it may have been included in compilations. It is very much Ginger Baker's "thing," although Fela plays an important role on several tracks. Also present is Fela's American girlfriend Sandra Izidore (credited as "Sandra Danielle").

Strativarious is a fascinating look at a magic time when rock, jazz and Afrobeat were taking their first tentative steps toward each other, and a harbinger of fusions to come. It certainly deserves more attention than it's gotten. Like the recordings featured in the last two posts, Stratavarious was originally posted on Uchenna Ikonne's With Comb & Razor blog.

Fela and Sandra Izidore take center stage on Side 1 of Stratavarious. Izidore provides vocals on "Ariwo," an adaptation of a Yoruba folk tune, and Fela sings lead on "Tiwa," with Sandra included in the backup chorus. Fela plays keyboard on both tunes:

Ginger Baker - Ariwo

Ginger Baker - Tiwa

Fela's keyboard work also features on the next two tracks. Both are notable also for the lead guitar work of Bobby Tench (here credited as "Bobby Gass"), who had previously played with the Jeff Beck Group:

Ginger Baker - Something Nice

Ginger Baker - Ju Ju

Fela Ransome-Kuti plays no role in "Blood Brothers 69" or "Coda." "Blood Brothers" was apparently recorded in London in 1969, a collaboration between Baker and renowned Ghanaian percussionist Guy Warren, later known as Kofi Ghanaba:

Ginger Baker & Guy Warren - Blood Brothers 69

Ginger Baker - Coda

Stratavarious can be downloaded as a zipped file here.



Stratavarious was by no means Ginger Baker's first experiment with African music. Not only had he previously recorded Fela Ransome-Kuti & the Africa '70 with Ginger Baker Live! (Signpost SP 8401, 1971), but his two LPs with Ginger Baker's Air Force had a definite African "feel," notably this tune from their first album (Atco SD 2-703, 1970, right). Compare it with "Ariwo," above:

Ginger Baker's Air Force - Aiko Biaye

This series of posts was occasioned by the recent announcement that Knitting Factory Records plans to reissue the "complete" Fela discography, although as I pointed out here, there are a few titles missing. In addition to Stratavarious, Perambulator and I Go Shout Plenty!!! the 1985 Bill Laswell "remix" version of Army Arrangement (Celluloid CELL 6109) is long out of print with no plans for reissue (it was released while Fela was in prison and he is said to have hated it). Toshiya Endo's Fela discography lists a number of other tunes that have never been released in any form. Notably, Knitting Factory plans to release the "entire" catalog of recordings Fela made with the Koola Lobitos in the 1960s. This is good news indeed.

Volunteer profile - Andy, Leeds

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I went to the festival two years ago and loved it and everything that it was about. It's a great concept so I really wanted to help out when I got back.

What did you do?

In the UK I: co-ordinated promotion for volunteer-led vinspired Lake of Stars events in Reading, Manchester and Bristol, co-ordinated marketing and promotion, book artists for future events, work with young volunteer journalists, doing artist liaison at UK gigs, managing bookings for UK events, assessing coverage of events and DJing at a number of events as part of the vinspired Lake of Stars with Rich Mix Presents series.

Whilst the team were in Malawi I: managed the office, liaised with artists going to the festival and made sure SWAY got on his flight!

What next?

I’m using the experience and contacts gained to get a really ace job in the field I want to get into, events promotion.

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

Yes. It's a really enjoyable thing to do, and it is a fantastic way to expand your skillset.

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photo by Andy Lemay, vinspired volunteer

Volunteer profile - Andy, Leeds

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I went to the festival two years ago and loved it and everything that it was about. It's a great concept so I really wanted to help out when I got back.

What did you do?

In the UK I: co-ordinated promotion for volunteer-led vinspired Lake of Stars events in Reading, Manchester and Bristol, co-ordinated marketing and promotion, book artists for future events, work with young volunteer journalists, doing artist liaison at UK gigs, managing bookings for UK events, assessing coverage of events and DJing at a number of events as part of the vinspired Lake of Stars with Rich Mix Presents series.

Whilst the team were in Malawi I: managed the office, liaised with artists going to the festival and made sure SWAY got on his flight!

What next?

I’m using the experience and contacts gained to get a really ace job in the field I want to get into, events promotion.

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

Yes. It's a really enjoyable thing to do, and it is a fantastic way to expand your skillset.

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photo by Andy Lemay, vinspired volunteer

Volunteer profile - Zen, London

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I thought the idea of having festival in Malawi and charity through music was cool – it also keeps me in touch with my roots.

What did you do?

In the UK I: worked in the office, wrote articles for the blog, did some interviews with artists who had performed at gigs and at the festival, some promotional stuff, worked at the fundraising gigs and anything else.

In Malawi I: was mainly doing the artist liaison for the UK artists, but I also helped with the gate, some promotion, helped with translation for Chichewa-speaking artists, did a bit of press, interviewed artists and worked in the production office.

What next?

I’m using the experience and contacts gained to apply for more work in festival, club and event promotion and production, and maybe also getting other people to volunteer.

I’ve gone back to working in sustainable transport for an engineering company.

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

Definitely. I think it’s always good to do something to help other people. You get to meet some cool people, and it’s even better if you do through something you’re interested in like music or sport or anything else. If you believe it you can achieve it.

If you're 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities on vinspired.com

Words and photo by Zen Jelenje, vinspired volunteer

Volunteer profile - Zen, London

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I thought the idea of having festival in Malawi and charity through music was cool – it also keeps me in touch with my roots.

What did you do?

In the UK I: worked in the office, wrote articles for the blog, did some interviews with artists who had performed at gigs and at the festival, some promotional stuff, worked at the fundraising gigs and anything else.

In Malawi I: was mainly doing the artist liaison for the UK artists, but I also helped with the gate, some promotion, helped with translation for Chichewa-speaking artists, did a bit of press, interviewed artists and worked in the production office.

What next?

I’m using the experience and contacts gained to apply for more work in festival, club and event promotion and production, and maybe also getting other people to volunteer.

I’ve gone back to working in sustainable transport for an engineering company.

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

Definitely. I think it’s always good to do something to help other people. You get to meet some cool people, and it’s even better if you do through something you’re interested in like music or sport or anything else. If you believe it you can achieve it.

If you're 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities on vinspired.com

Words and photo by Zen Jelenje, vinspired volunteer

Volunteer profile - Matt, Birmingham

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I’m really into the London music scene, and getting involved in new media, marketing and promotion. Volunteering for vLOS sounded like a great way to get involved in all these areas in my university summer holiday.

What did you do?

In the UK I: was marketing co-ordinator for Lake of Stars. I did marketing and promotion for the festival and the club nights we ran in the UK. I also worked front of house at one club night and ran my own club night after that. I interviewed the Maccabees and DJ Yoda, which was awesome, and worked on blogs and social networking sites.

In Kenya I: was tour manager looking after a couple of DJ’s and a journalist whilst we did a warm up gig in Nairobi. We also had the pleasure of doing a gig for the children in the slums whilst children did acrobatics.

In Malawi I: was a steward manager working at the box office with the stewards and dealing with any problems that arose whilst on duty. I also filled in on different roles when the need arose such as festival control and artist liason.

What next?

I’m using the experience and contacts gained to promote and market my radio show as well as put on my own club nights at my uni. I will also be writing articles for my uni newspaper and looking to get involved in a lot more things in the future.

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

Without a doubt!

If you're 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photo by Matt Lenzi, vinspired volunteer

Volunteer profile - Matt, Birmingham

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I’m really into the London music scene, and getting involved in new media, marketing and promotion. Volunteering for vLOS sounded like a great way to get involved in all these areas in my university summer holiday.

What did you do?

In the UK I: was marketing co-ordinator for Lake of Stars. I did marketing and promotion for the festival and the club nights we ran in the UK. I also worked front of house at one club night and ran my own club night after that. I interviewed the Maccabees and DJ Yoda, which was awesome, and worked on blogs and social networking sites.

In Kenya I: was tour manager looking after a couple of DJ’s and a journalist whilst we did a warm up gig in Nairobi. We also had the pleasure of doing a gig for the children in the slums whilst children did acrobatics.

In Malawi I: was a steward manager working at the box office with the stewards and dealing with any problems that arose whilst on duty. I also filled in on different roles when the need arose such as festival control and artist liason.

What next?

I’m using the experience and contacts gained to promote and market my radio show as well as put on my own club nights at my uni. I will also be writing articles for my uni newspaper and looking to get involved in a lot more things in the future.

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

Without a doubt!

If you're 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photo by Matt Lenzi, vinspired volunteer

Volunteer profile - Eddie, London

Eddie (right), with other vinspired Lake of Stars crew members

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I first went to Lake of Stars in 2005 and loved the country so much I returned in early 2006 to help teach in a village and visited the festival whilst I was out there. When I learnt that vinspired Lake of Stars was looking for volunteers I was keen to get involved and do a job that I love, in a country I’m very passionate about.

What did you do?

In the UK I: helped book artists, managed all artist logistics, created all production plans prior to festival site, helped recruit and brief staff, acted as production manager for some UK events, assisted in office duties and programmed the festival.

In Malawi I: acted as Assistant Production Manager for the festival which pre-event entailed implementing and adjusting existing production plans in context of the site, helping support vinspired Lake of Stars staff in preparing their aspects of the festival and aiding with any requests from staff. During the event I helped manage staff in their respective areas and resolved any issues as they arose.

What next?

Thanks to contacts and friendships made at this year’s festival I’m talking with several people about job opportunities for the next year and I continue to work for vinspired Lake of Stars in developing plans for next year’s events.

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

Definitely. I have volunteered on some amazing projects and have consequently got to work alongside the leaders of my chosen career field and learn from them directly. If you enter a well-managed volunteer opportunity you can gain first-hand knowledge and experience, high-level industry contacts and good friends.

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photo by Eddie FitzPatrick, vinspired volunteer

Volunteer profile - Eddie, London

Eddie (right), with other vinspired Lake of Stars crew members

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I first went to Lake of Stars in 2005 and loved the country so much I returned in early 2006 to help teach in a village and visited the festival whilst I was out there. When I learnt that vinspired Lake of Stars was looking for volunteers I was keen to get involved and do a job that I love, in a country I’m very passionate about.

What did you do?

In the UK I: helped book artists, managed all artist logistics, created all production plans prior to festival site, helped recruit and brief staff, acted as production manager for some UK events, assisted in office duties and programmed the festival.

In Malawi I: acted as Assistant Production Manager for the festival which pre-event entailed implementing and adjusting existing production plans in context of the site, helping support vinspired Lake of Stars staff in preparing their aspects of the festival and aiding with any requests from staff. During the event I helped manage staff in their respective areas and resolved any issues as they arose.

What next?

Thanks to contacts and friendships made at this year’s festival I’m talking with several people about job opportunities for the next year and I continue to work for vinspired Lake of Stars in developing plans for next year’s events.

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

Definitely. I have volunteered on some amazing projects and have consequently got to work alongside the leaders of my chosen career field and learn from them directly. If you enter a well-managed volunteer opportunity you can gain first-hand knowledge and experience, high-level industry contacts and good friends.

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photo by Eddie FitzPatrick, vinspired volunteer

Volunteer profile - Rosie, London

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I had just finished college and was looking for a project to keep me busy while I hunted for a job. I have fallen in love with Africa on my travels, and I’d heard BBC Radio 1’s documentary about last year’s festival, which sounded amazing and like something I really wanted to get involved with.

What did you do?

In the UK I: worked in the office as a member of the core UK team, liaised with media and PR contacts, collated all media coverage, interviewed artists and volunteers, attended gigs and researched new ideas for the festival to progress, among many other things! Because vLOS is staffed by such a small team of dedicated volunteers, every day is different and presents a new challenge, which I love. I have such a varied role, in just one day I can be a journalist, PR account manager, press officer and researcher all rolled into one.

In Malawi I: managed Festival Control dealing with on the ground, practical and logistical aspects of producing the festival, with enquiries about anything and everything, ranging from ‘The power’s gone on the main stage, can you get me some more?!’ to ‘Can you find out the football scores for me?’

What next?

I’m using the experience and contacts gained to help me get a job. Coming from a journalism background, the media contacts I have made are going to be invaluable in the future. But it has also been brilliant to be dealing with the media from all angles, as it has given me a greater understanding of how the industry functions.
Since returning to the UK I have continued to work with vinspired Lake of Stars, helping to develop ideas for the festival for the future.

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

In a word, yes. Volunteering has not only opened doors for me to help me build my future career, it has also been a lot of fun and I’ve worked with great people and made some good friends. The experience that vinspired Lake of Stars has offered me is invaluable – I’m gaining contacts and advice from industry professionals that money can’t buy.

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photo by Rosie Ponting, vinspired volunteer.

Volunteer profile - Rosie, London

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I had just finished college and was looking for a project to keep me busy while I hunted for a job. I have fallen in love with Africa on my travels, and I’d heard BBC Radio 1’s documentary about last year’s festival, which sounded amazing and like something I really wanted to get involved with.

What did you do?

In the UK I: worked in the office as a member of the core UK team, liaised with media and PR contacts, collated all media coverage, interviewed artists and volunteers, attended gigs and researched new ideas for the festival to progress, among many other things! Because vLOS is staffed by such a small team of dedicated volunteers, every day is different and presents a new challenge, which I love. I have such a varied role, in just one day I can be a journalist, PR account manager, press officer and researcher all rolled into one.

In Malawi I: managed Festival Control dealing with on the ground, practical and logistical aspects of producing the festival, with enquiries about anything and everything, ranging from ‘The power’s gone on the main stage, can you get me some more?!’ to ‘Can you find out the football scores for me?’

What next?

I’m using the experience and contacts gained to help me get a job. Coming from a journalism background, the media contacts I have made are going to be invaluable in the future. But it has also been brilliant to be dealing with the media from all angles, as it has given me a greater understanding of how the industry functions.
Since returning to the UK I have continued to work with vinspired Lake of Stars, helping to develop ideas for the festival for the future.

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

In a word, yes. Volunteering has not only opened doors for me to help me build my future career, it has also been a lot of fun and I’ve worked with great people and made some good friends. The experience that vinspired Lake of Stars has offered me is invaluable – I’m gaining contacts and advice from industry professionals that money can’t buy.

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photo by Rosie Ponting, vinspired volunteer.