Toto La Momposina LIVE September 16, 2009

Totó la Momposina
Legendary Afro-Colombian folk performer Toto la Momposina is set to give a rare UK performance at an intimate venue in London. The concert will take place at Cargo on September 16th in an event presented by Rhythms - part of the UK-based charity Discovering Latin America (DLA) which works to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged people in the region.

Toto la Momposina is widely recognised as the foremost exponent of Cumbia, a music and dance style with its roots in the unique cross-pollination between Colombia’s African, Indigenous Indian and Spanish cultures which has transformed Colombia’s Caribbean coastline. A percussive style characterised by skanking off-beat polyrhythms and propelled by infectiously melodic brass, accordions, guitars and vocals, the genre has since exploded across Latin America and beyond; today it is one of the most influential and best-loved musical exports of the region.

Having announced herself globally during the early nineties with a string of critically lauded international tours and albums, Toto has dedicated her life to the promotion and preservation of her cultural heritage across the world. In recognition of her efforts, she was presented with the WOMEX lifetime achievement award in 2006, as well as receiving a nomination for the Latin Grammy Awards in 2002.

Toto will be performing onstage with three generations of her family to coincide with the launch of her latest album, "La Bodega". There will also be a special screening of "La Colombiana", a film documenting Toto’s mission to keep her heritage alive through her family after which audience members will then have a chance to put their questions to the lady herself.
Later, the mighty Hackney Globe Trotter, DJ Russ Jones brings his 'Arriba La Cumbia' clubnight to Cargo for a selection of classic Cumbias and skanking Tropical rhythms.

Toto’s appearance will kick off a series of events presented by Rhythms and DLA in 2009, all of which aim to promote the cultural diversity of Latin America through music and dance, alongside raising much needed money for DLA’s chosen organisations. Proceeds from the performance at Cargo will go to Progressio, an international charity helping women affected by HIV and AIDS in the Dominican Republic.

The line-up

* Live: Totó La Momposina
* Film Screening: La Colombiana
* DJ: Russ Jones (Arriba La Cumbia)
* Tickets: £15, £5 after 10.30 (Clubnight only)
* Venue: Cargo, Rivington Street, London
* Tubes: Old Street / Liverpool Street (Plan your journey)

Official Website: http://www.discoveringlatinamerica.com/toto-la-momposina.html