From Qawwali to Zimbabwe & Free Tickets

We’re pleased to announce the final addition to the lineup for the 13th Annual Asian Music Series, sponsored by TD Bank. The series ends on a rousing note on Sunday May 31st in Mississauga, as we host an evening of qawwali. Fanna-Fi-Allah are an inspiring group of young devotees of the legacy of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. With their rich rhythmic grooves, soaring vocal melodies and the bright intensity of their live performances, Fanna-Fi-Allah urges us to lift our hearts in exaltation and devotion to the Divine. A fine way to enter summer! You can join us for this amazing event FREE if you respond to ali@smallworldmusic.com. Check out the video below for a taste of their music.This week, it’s India meets Japan as the YO trio grace the stage of the Small World Centre. Combing the talents of one of Zakir Hussain’s premier disciples in tabla master Ty Burhoe, with two of Japan’s up and coming instrumentalists on shamisen and shakuhachi, the group create a virtuosic and soulful intercultural dialogue. YO’s  onstage chemistry is a kind of musical alchemy of gorgeous melodies, sizzling rhythms and scintillating synergy.On Saturday, our good friend Oliver Mtukudzi returns to Toronto to celebrate Zimbabwean Independence Day at Koerner Hall. One of Africa’s greatest musical ambassadors, he and his band the Black Spirits will share the night with the fine young Ugandan singer Kinobe, whom we presented some  years ago. Should be a great night!

Next week, the Asian Music Series brings a unique event in Voices of Asia. We’re really looking forward to the results of this musical mixer. Four of the city’s finest performers from a variety of Asian musical backgrounds will spend next week in an intensive repertoire development incubator. The concert on the 25th will present the superb results.