Singer-songwriter from Africa with "strong storytelling style" to perform in Morecambe

A singer whose influences include African gospel and Congolese styles of music is set to perform in Morecambe.

Singer-songwriter Emmanuela Yogolelo will sing at More Music in Morecambe on Saturday June 3 as part of their series of gigs, All the Right Notes.

Originally from Upper Zaire and Kivu in the Eastern DR Congo, Emmanuela developed her passion for music from an early age where she was exposed to the traditional acoustic music of the Shi and Mbuti people, the musical genres of neighbouring Rwanda and Burundi, the music of the streets, the radio and the local Nganda pubs.

Her influences come from far and wide, including African gospel, Afro jazz and Congolese styles of music, such as Rumba, Seben and Agwaya. 

As a solo singer, in a group with other musicians, or as part of the multi-award winning Afro-Celt Sound system, Emmanuela is described as an "engaging performer with a strong storytelling style". 

She has appeared at high-profile venues and festivals throughout the UK, including Band on the Wall, The Royal Northern College of Music and Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and at London’s Barbican. Festivals include the Women of the World Festival on the South Bank, Shambala, Cropedy, Manchester International Festival and Manchester Jazz Festival.

Emmanuela co-founded Manchester-based Amani Creatives to celebrate African arts and culture in 2015. The organisation focuses on profiling, promoting, celebrating and preserving African arts and culture in all its forms.

This gig is part of More Music’s programme of gigs All the Right Notes, involving a show on the first Saturday of the month.

Doors are at 7pm. Tickets range from £5 to £10 and can be purchased from More Music’s website or by calling 01524 831997 (weekdays 10am – 2pm). Under 18s and essential companions go free.