Viva Africa

Friday October 26
Chi’s brand new garden area gets its first major showcase with this new Viva Africa event. Sponsored by the team behind neighbouring African restaurant Kiza, the night brings together a host of African talent, as well as tropical drinks, jerk chicken and traditional foods.

Topping the bill is Congolese singer-songwriter Fally Ipupa, who blends traditional soukous sounds with contemporary R&B and pop. He started life busking on the streets of the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, before being spotted by established band Quartier Latin, lead by renowned singer Koffi Olomide. In 2006 Ipupa went solo with debut LP Droit Chemin, spawning hit singles in the title track, ‘Liputa’ and ‘Kidiamfuka’, and later follow-up LP Arsenal de Belles.

Also on the bill is Nigerian Afrobeart-influenced rapper and producer Naeto C, best known for ‘I Believe’, which features Naeto rapping alongside legendary South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela.

Elsewhere, there are deep house tunes provided by award-winning vocal-DJ duo Liquideep, who leapt to fame in their native South Africa with 2009 hit ‘Fairytale’. They attracted international note a year later with debut album Fabrics of the Heart, going on to share a stage with Akon and garnering international support from Chevrolet and Ben Sherman.
Dhs150-250. 7pm-3am, October 26. Domeland@The Lodge, Al Nasr Leisureland, www.timeouttickets.com