The sounds of Haiti on stage at The Apex
Chouk Bwa are a traditional Haitian roots music ensemble who bring the essence of Vodou, with music rising in waves of drums, poetry and trance and will be appearing at The Apex, in Bury St Edmunds, in February.
Haiti is a nation that has seen the hardest of times but still maintains a relentless spirit and strength through its culture. The source of Chouk Bwa’s music comes from the rhythm and dance that were torn from Africa and secretly replanted in a new land.
Founded in Haiti in 2012, Chouk Bwa have become increasingly established on the global world music scene. Their first album was released in 2015 on Buda Musique (one of the leading ‘world music’ labels) and the celebratory power of their sound has already ignited audiences at major festivals, including Roskilde, WOMAD, WOMEX, Amsterdam Roots, Rainforest World Music Festival (Malaysia) and more.
Their drummers are unanimously recognized as master drummers in the Gonaives’ Vodou communities, while the movement of the two dancers relies on a similar kind of deep knowledge of Vodou rhythm. Their repertoire is a blend of traditional songs and original compositions by lead vocalist and poet Jean Claude Sambaton Dorvil.
Chouk Bwa will appeal to fans of African, Afro-Caribbean and Latin American music, as well as lovers of drum and trance music and they are at The Apex, on Monday, February 26, at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £12.50, with £5 tickets for those aged under 25. Ring the box office on 01284 758000 or see the website – www.theapex.co.uk for details.