“Roots Connection” is a music and charity event created to raise awareness for the African refugee community living in South Tel Aviv. The one-night music festival brings together various African and Israeli musicians whose music has been influenced by the vibrant sounds of African beats. All proceeds from the event will be dedicated towards funding a summer camp for children of African refugees.
Organizer and producer Noam Elkayam is a student at Tel Aviv University and volunteer at Mesila, an organization that provides aid and assistance for the African refugee community of South Tel Aviv. “Roots Connection” is the first of its kind in Tel Aviv, and is aimed towards establishing cultural connections, awareness, and cooperation between the diverse neighbourhoods in the city. Says Elkayam, “I believe that through the universal, fundamental love of music we can create positive relationships with our African neighbours in South Tel Aviv. Working together, we can find a way to help the African community, starting with finding a safe place for their children to play while parents are busy working.”
Musical Lineup
Zvuloon Dub System (Israel, Ethiopia): Formed in 2006 by the Smilin brothers, today the ensemble is Israel’s leading reggae band. Influenced by dub step, Ethiopian jazz, soul, funk and Israeli music, Zvuloon Dub System is a multi-cultural melting pot of sounds. According to founding chairman of the Reggae Grammy Committee, “Zvuloon Dub System demonstrates conclusively why they are Israel’s top reggae band. [Touching] on many of the major themes of conscious reggae with authentic rhythms and tasty lead vocals, Zvuloon deserves a wide international audience.” Members include Gil Yalo on vocals, Ilan Adiri, tenor sax, Inon Peretz on trumpet, Ilan Smilin on guitars, Simon Nahum on rhythm guitar, Lior Romana on keyboards and melodica, Tal Marcus on bass, and Asaf Smilin on drums and percussions.
Groove Ambassadors (Côte d’lvoire, Israel): Established in 2009, the eclectic 8-person ensemble is comprised of musicians from a diverse cultural melting pot. Having worked with musicians from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, France, Israel, Brazil and more, Groove Ambassador’s repertoire includes a rich variety of rhythms and songs sung in over 10 languages. Members include Elisee Akowendoo on drums and vocals, Tomer Mash on bass, Tom Solomon on guitar and vocals, Shalev Neeman on percussion and vocals, Ilia Kushner on saxophone and cowbell, Assaf Lavie on keyboard, and Anat Vermuth on saxophone and vocals.
BILAKA (Congo, Nigeria, Côte d’lvoire): Comprised of eight musicians from the Congo, Nigeria and the Ivory Coast, the ensemble plays African beats in French and Lingala. Although relatively new to the Israeli music scene, most of BILAKA’s members are trained musicians from childhood with 15-20 years of experience in the music industry. Instruments include drums, bass, guitar, keyboard, percussion, and vocals.
DJs
Idan K (Movement of Rhythm) DJ set: front man of the popular “Movement of Rhythm” ensemble and multi-talented in all realms of music, Idan K’s DJ set is a medley of funk, soul, electronic and African beats.
Owlform (NYC): Hailing from Canada but educated in NYC, Owlform has been to the farthest reaches of the world and made sure to bring back with him all the sounds he encountered. Combining electronica, dubstep, chillout and world music, this DJ creates new wavelengths of eclectic beats in bars and clubs throughout Tel Aviv.
Eyal Rob (Soulico, Israel): One of Tel Aviv’s most sought-after DJs, Eyal Rob is a nightly performer in the city’s premier bars and clubs. Founder of the genre “Mediterranean Disco”, Rob’s set combines beats ranging from slow electronic to new disco, and everything in between.
Says Asaf Smilin of Zvuloon Dub System: “All of us in Zvuloon Dub System live in South Tel Aviv. We know our neighbours, the refugees and asylum seekers from Africa. The opportunity to help out them and their children through our music really speaks to us, and we are proud to be a part of ‘Roots Connection” and to help fund a summer camp for our neighbours’ children.”
June 24, 2013
Tickets – 40 NIS pre-ordered, 50 NIS at the door
Comfort 13, Tel Aviv
Doors Open at 21:00
For inquiries or tickets, call 050-740-9119 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/461636570588305/
