Poole and Bournemouth does not spring to mind as the most obvious location for a concert celebrating South and Southern African music but, in fact, over the past few years, a strong relationship has developed between this part of England and the southern tip of Africa, and this is the fifth major project SoundStorm has been involved with on a South African theme. In 2007, Dan Somogyi took part in a British Council study visit to Cape Town and its surroundings, and the following year, SoundStorm helped bring a fantastic African marimba quintet from Camps Bay High School to the UK for a week, in partnership with the Cultural Hub and Avonbourne School. 'African Renaissance' undertook a tour of Bournemouth and Poole schools and were the top draw the sellout 'Footprints of South Africa' concert. A number of local schools and teachers have developed strong links with that region, having been inspired by their own exchange visits to Cape Town and other areas. Local schools regularly raise funds for partner schools in some of the poorest parts of Southern Africa. This year's project has particular resonance because of the World Cup, which has focussed the world's attention on South Africa

We are delighted therefore to present 'Southern African Celebration' which centres around the wonderful 9-piece band, MBAWULA, who have been leading workshops in a number of schools in Bournemouth and Poole over the past couple of months, along with Johannesburg-based singer JOYCE MOHOLOGAE. Mbawula, which means "brazier of fire" in Zulu, were invited to perform at Nelson Mandela's celebration concert in Trafalgar Square; shortly after, their scorching debut album, Southern Grooves was released; last year they led a special concert for Archbishop Desmond Tutu in London. Their reputation as the top South African band performing in the UK is therefore not in doubt.

The concert also sees other notable performers. U'Zambezi, from Zimbabwe, are the premiere acapella vocal quintet from that country, a bit like a mini Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Lucky Moyo, from the group, has been leading school workshops across Bournemouth and Poole over the past few months to the delight of hundreds of young people. 

Finally, the concert also features over 200 young and older people from seven local schools and UNITY community choir. It should be some show! Thanks to all the fantastic artists, teachers and students who have made the show possible through their hard work; and all at Lighthouse, our partners on this event, who respond to all our requests with such good grace.

Read more about Mbawula here: www.mbawula.com

Read more about U'Zambezi here: www.uzambeziarts.com

Book tickets here for the show on 19 July 2010: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk