An explosive celebration of West African culture and Afro-Jazz music
Daring acrobatics and soulful afro jazz fusion sounds Illustrate the daily life in Guinea. For a brief 90 mins we are transported from the South Bank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth hall to the streets of Guinea to witness the bustling lives of fisherman, market workers and construction workers in an energetic circus display of strength and joy. Cirque Kalabante is a west African circus company created by Yamoussa Bangoura who choreographs and designs their shows, This show marks their first time in London, and it is not to be missed.
The set design created a subtle nod to a village setting but the performers were always at the forefront leading the show. There was never a dull moment on stage as the musicians played continuously and became a part of the set; their composition and rhythms played throughout the performance so that even the brief moments of silence during transitions felt musical. The performers created a truly immersive experience by using their instruments as part of the set and building tall structures with their drums to perform acrobatics from.
A highlight of the show is the effortlessness of the musicians playing Afro-jazz and traditional music. The Kora, a traditional west African instrument, became a main character as its angelic sounds accompanied singing and created standout moments between the tricks and stunts.
This show feels as if each night will bring its own unique moments as audience interaction is encouraged and we are taught lyrics and chants to join in with the show at the moments of excitement and high tension when the acrobatics and contortionists perform the impossible. We are truly kept on the edges of our seat as anything can and will happen.
Each of the performers create their own individual clown characters and show off in front of the audience wearing bright colours and traditional West African patterns. Expect the unexpected as at any moment someone will flip across the stage. There is no limit to the imagination of these performers and what they can use to create magic on stage, not only are we mesmerised by gymnastics, acrobatics and contortionists but each stunt exists within a narrative and the energy of the show continuously builds to an explosive finish.