Africa Express: The Open Fund for Organisations
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In September 2012, under the banner of the official Cultural Olympiad, Africa Express felled a train with around 100 of the top artists from Africa and the West.
Artists were made up of a core of African legends, joined by younger musicians, rappers and singers from the continent, together with some of the most interesting singers, performers and musicians from the Americas and Europe.
It set out from London around mainland Britain, with recording facilities to make music along the way plus lots of blogging, webcasts and live radio and television links from on board.
Africa Express; The Olympic Train is about music, spontaneity, community and collaboration.
These amazing and inspirational figures were taken to unexpected places to do unexpected things.
Short shows on station platforms. Stopping in market towns for impromptu events in town halls and car parks. Sending waves of musicians out into schools, so kids can meet their heroes and experience African culture first-hand.
At each event, local artists and diaspora communities were invited to turn up and join the fun. In keeping with the spirit of Africa Express, each day, each town, each show was different, with audiences experiencing unique musical moments that will never be seen again.
The tour culminated in a London show with their united army of artists, who by this time had originated and honed new songs and ideas.