Freedom Fest: Newtown and Tucan Tucan April 28, 2006

NewTown: Their sound has been described as virtual seratonin. They`ve rocked the house in every city they`ve played, and they`re on the verge of their debut album release (Recorded in Cape Town & Johannesburg in late 2005). Newtown`s music has been called a universal blend of Afro-Ameri-Jazz and Funk-Flavoured Rock and Roll. They prefer just to call it `Jozi Soul. It`s a high-energy concoction of brass, strings, percussion and vocals that simply rocks. The band`s current members began playing together over 4 years ago, as Rise, however with the departure in mid-2004 of then frontman, Tebogo Moloto, things needed to change: Enter Pebbles Qgunta (2 time SA Music Award Nominated artist) and Newtown was born. You simply have to see this band for yourself to understand their infectious appeal.

Tucan Tucan: The band was fused by a group of musicians from different cultures and backgrounds wanting to unite differrent styles of music. It`s not easy to describe Tucan Tucan`s music in a feww words. A kaleidoscope comes to mind - where and whenever you listen to this music, its colourful variety captivates and fascinates the listener. Latino rhythms like salsa, samba and bosa nova melt in a pot of African elements such as kwasa kwasa, marrabentaa and ju ju, topped with Spanish, Portuguese, English, Sesotho, Xhosa, Zulu, Ronga and Shangaan lyrics. They use all these elements to express the beautiful diversity of South African culture.

Official Website: http://www.armchairtheatre.co.za/gigguide.asp