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African Guitar Summit is a group of nine Canadian musicians, all of African origin, who gathered in Toronto to participate in a unique project for CBC Radio’s On Stage program. From Guinea, Juno Award winner Alpha Yaya Diallo brought the smooth fire of his guitar style, as well as Naby Camara on balafon; from Ghana, the elder master of the guitar, Pa Joe, with golden voice Theo Yaw Boakye, and the heartbeat of drummer Kofi Ackah; from Kenya, the Fiesta guitar of Professor Adam Solomon; from Burundi/Rwanda, the bluesy Mighty Popo; and from Madagascar the quicksilver guitars and harmonies of Donné Robert and multiple Juno Award winner Madagascar Slim. The producer of African Guitar Summit is Todd Fraracci.
In three days they created a band, rehearsing and arranging, sharing stories and experiences. On the fourth day the group debuted in a concert at CBC’s Glenn Gould Studio. It was a magical evening that will be long remembered by everyone who was there, full of dazzling individual showcases and electrifying collaborations. The following three days were spent in CBC Studio 211 recording their self-titled CD. Everything was recorded live off the floor, in one or two takes.
African Guitar Summit was released on CBC Records in November 2004, and went on to win the Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year. The group performed a stunning version of Mwembo at the Juno Awards Gala in Winnipeg, April 2, 2005. They have since toured across Canada,including a performance at the Live 8 concert in Barrie, near Toronto.
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