National Bank Festival: World Divas and Global BluesAlejandra Ribera, Salif Keita

Local and international stars take the stage for a day-long pair of concerts in Queen’s Park. World Divas features four female vocalists from a variety of backgrounds – among them Argentinean cabaret singer Alejandra Ribera, Creole jazz singer Carmen Souza, and Toronto’s Katenen “Cheka” Dioubaté, a tradition bearing ‘griot’ who celebrates the modern African women’s perspective with her powerful and enchanting voice.

Heading the bill for Global Blues is Mezcla, an Afro-Cuban jazz blues fusion direct from Havana, the Toronto debut of Madagascar-born Razia Said, and the “Golden Voice of Africa,” Salif Keita. A former member of Mali’s groundbreaking Rail Band of the 1970s, Keita has gone on to world-music stardom as he blends traditional griot music and other West African styles with influences from Islam and the West.

The music and fun continues throughout the day, so come down and grab a picnic dinner at nearby Mill Street Pub or President’s Choice^®1000 Tastes of Toronto^TM and explore the Wish Come True Festival by FriendsWithYou.

FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

World Divas
1:00 pm - Rupa and the April Fishes (USA)
2:00 pm - Alejandra Ribera (Canada)
3:00 pm - Carmen Souza (Cape Verda)
4:00 pm - Katenen "Cheka" Dioubate (Canada / Guinea)

Global Blues
7:00 pm - Mezcla (Cuba)
8:00 pm - Razia Said with Madagscar Slim (Madagascar; Canada)
9:00 pm - Salif Keita (Mali)

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