BEAF 2023 Launch Party

Featuring BCUC

The festival kicks off with our Launch Party on Friday 16 June, bringing incredible music all the way from Soweto to Boscombe’s glorious Victorian music venue, the O2.  Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness (known as BCUC) combines a heady mix of indigenous funk, hip hop and punk rock energy, portraying the rich traditions, rituals and beliefs coming out of Africa.

“Without a doubt the best live act I saw.” Gilles Peterson

Soweto based BCUC tackle the harsh realities of the voiceless, – the plight of the workers at the bottom of the social food chain. The Africa they portray is not poor, but rich in tradition, rituals and beliefs.

“The most impressive newcomers this year.” The Guardian

A stone’s throw from the church where Desmond Tutu organised the escape of the most wanted anti-Apartheid activists of Soweto, BCUC rehearses in a shipping container-turned-community restaurant, where their indomitable outspokenness echoes in a whole new way. Like its elders, Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness sees its music as a hedonistic trance, but also as a weapon of political and spiritual liberation.

Artistic heirs to Philip “Malombo” Tabane and Batsumi, they give contemporary voice to the ancestral traditions of indigenous peoples. Jazz sounds of 1970s and ‘80s productions replaced by hip-hop influences and punk-rock energy, taking the listener on an intriguing epic journey, sharing their controversial yet interesting views on modern Africa. 

“We bring fun and emo-indigenous Afro psychedelic fire from the hood,” says vocalist Kgomotso Mokone.

Image ©️ Shudufhadzo Lubengo.

Supported by Harare

A virtuoso marimbist, Kuda Matimba was a member of Zimbabwe’s legendary Bhundu Boys, a groundbreaking force in the African music industry, as they paved the way for more artists to reach commercial success in Europe and the US. Harare features a groundbreaking line-up, mixing the buzzing acoustics of the Southern African rich-toned marimba, mbira, ringing jingling guitars, swooping basslines, irresistible dance rhythms and uplifting vocals. Harare celebrates both the past and the future of African dance music and brings a spectacular mix of Southern African musical styles, particularly the musical styles of Zimbabwe. Words to the songs are performed in the Shona language of Zimbabwe.  

Image ©️ Katherine Hannaford

Doors open at 8pm, Harare starts at 8.30pm.

Age Restrictions: No under 8s. Under 14 to be accompanied at all times by an adult over 18. For detailed information please vsisit the O2’s website.