The concerts planned for the Fanfakids together with the Ghanese percussion and dance group Twerammpon Traditionals will unfortunately take place without the Ghanese kids. Because of a last minute refusal of their visa, they were not able to travel to Brussels. This was a huge deception for the Fanfakids, the families that would host them, the collaborators of Centrum West and MET-X and everybody who looked forward to their arrival. Last summer, Marockin’ Brass was in a similar situation when the visa of 3 percussionist of Casablanca were denied.

Last weekend, the ‘Brassafrikans’ travelled to the Basque country (Amorebieta) to participate in the Haizetara Festival, a street music international contest. Together with 8 other participating brassbands, the musicians gave the best of themselves. The public obviously appreciated their moves and grooves as it voted for BRASSAFRIK as the winner of the prize of the public! Photos are available via www.haizetara.com. Via this link you can check out the atmosphere... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gqo7C-73xA&feature=player_embedded

Cezarius Gadzina, (music maker within the MET-X team) is artistic coordinator of this European project. He has traveled to Bulgaria, Poland and Cyprus. On the list of countries remain: Portugal, Belgium, Latvia, Greece and Rumania. To be continued!

More info via www.esax.eu or +32 2 218 70 52

This weekend, the entire city center was turned upside down! About 25 groups of artists colored the streets while making music that rang out of the smallest alley and the widest square. MET-X was also there and participated in 2 groups Enzyme and Soupe de Potiron. It was a splendid afternoon, with ‘zinnodes’ that sometimes took very surprising proportions… http://www.rtlinfo.be/videos/19h/165713

On 8 May, Molenbeek was already introduced to the Zinnodes during the Ransfiesta. Images are available via this link: http://www.bruxel.org/2010/0508_ransfiesta_tablovivant/index.html

http://www.rifraf.be/e-zine/online-ezine-nl.pdf
http://www.mixedworldmusic.com/recensies.php?id=99
http://www.tropicalidad.be/pivot/entry.php?id=923
http://www.brusselnieuws.be/artikels/cultuur/brassafrik-afrika-met-een-f...
http://www.foyer.be/spip.php?page=article&id_article=8341&lang=nl&id_rub...

Also 'Exit Plus World' (Radio 1), 'FM World' and 'De Vlaamse Steenweg' (FM Brussel), 'Djiboutik' (Radio Panik), considered that this brand new MET-X album deserved to be in their radio show. And they are defenitely right!

Haizetara is an international contest of street bands whose 4th festival will take place in the streets of Amorebieta–Etxano (Basque Country) the weekend of 25th, 26th and 27th June 2010.
BRASSAFRIK is one of the 8 selected bands! To be continued...

More info: http://www.haizetara.com/web/2009/english/seleccionadas_eng.htm

In the first week of the Eastern Holidays, the Fanfakids travelled to Italy to collaborate in different artistic and social programs. It was a very intensive week with a lot of interesting activities. The kids worked together with a local music school, were honourable guests at the Cirenaica Carnaval in Bologna and they were hosted by Italian families. Of course, there was also spare time to take a rest and to relax...

In April, the very first album of Brassafrik will be released. On this occasion the band will play 2 concerts with a massive line-up of 13 musicians and African dancer!

Places to be:

28/04 - 20.30h - Beursschouwburg (Brussels) - FREE
14/05 - 20.30h - Zuiderpershuis + Afroparty (Antwerp) - 10€/12€ (reservations: http://www.zuiderpershuis.be/events.php?id=864&parent=3&cat_id=1)

Be there!