SONGHOY BLUES
Songhoy Blues came into being in 2013 after the invasion of North Mali by the Islamist jihadists. «We wanted to recreate that lost ambience of the north and make all the refugees relive those northern songs». In Sept 2013, a group of European and American musicians were coming to Mali under the banner of Africa Express to make an album with local musicians. Songhoy Blues ended up recording with Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Their album ‘Music in Exile’ received brilliant reviews and the band recently appeared on Later With Jools Holland.
Sat 16th – Dome Studio Theatre – 21.15-21.45

ZUN ZUN EGUI
Having formed in the libertine and verdant undergrowth of Bristol’s cultural side streets (members Kushal Gaya and Yoshino Shigihara first met at an improv session at notorious DIY cinema The Cube Microplex), Zun Zun Egui released their first album on Bella Union in 2011. They are back this year with the brilliant ‘Shackle Gifts’.
Sat 16th – The Royal Albion Hotel (Alternative Escape) – 16.20 – 16.50
Sat 16th – The Arch – 20.45-21.15

ALO WALA
Alo Wala features vocalist Shivani Ahlowalia and Danish tropical bass pioneers Copia Doble Systema. Live, Alo Wala deliver an explosive dancefloor experience with a bass driven sound rooted in hip hop and beat music mixed with traditional Indian music, South-American rhythms and a range of global sounds and influences. One of the bands to watch in 2015!
Sat 16th – Dome Studio Theatre – 23.00-23.30

TUFF LOVE
One of Scotland’s most exciting new bands, Tuff Love are writers of “perfect pop music” (Vic Galloway, BBC Radio Scotland) and “your new favourite band” (The Daily Record). They come from Glasgow, and they write dazzling, sun-streaked guitar pop songs with mesmerising lyrics, heart-wrenching vocals and dreamy melodies like the sound of pure summer. Their new single ‘Groucho’ was recently on the BBC6music playlist, the 3rd single in a row!
Sat 16th – The Royal Albion Hotel – 17.10-17.40

LOUIS BAKER
We saw him and we instantly loved him. Hailing from New Zealand, Louis Baker has got an incredible voice and beautiful songs. He’s just got back touring Europe as part of the Red Bull Academy scheme. Expect great things for him following his UK tour in January with a sold-out show at the St Pancras Old Church.
Thu 14th – Paganini Ballroom – 12.15-13.00
Thu 14th – Queens Hotel – 19.00-19.30

AFRIKAN BOY
It’s not often that you’d expect to find the bass-heavy sounds of urban London and the rhythmic beats of Nigeria sitting together on a track, but if there is one MC who does not shy away from doing exactly that, and that would be Afrikan Boy.
Sat 16th – Dome Studio Theatre – 22.00-22.30

If you’re going to TGE and want to meet up, drop us a line at [email protected]