This week, the Chicago-based Surabhi Ensemble will perform multiple shows in the capital with Senegalese Tama Drummer Massamba Diop, whose music appears in the soundtrack to Marvel’s Black Panther.
The band’s arrival in Vietnam marks the beginning of a world tour which also features stops in Spain, Portugal and Senegal.
The global fusion group is taking their performance to schools, community centres and concert halls. Their first shows take place in Hanoi this week, with later dates planned for Malaga, Lisbon and Dakar.
The group consists of founder and Indian veena artist Saraswathi Ranganathan, oud player Ronnie Malley and guitarist Carlo Basile, but they will collaborate with other artists in each country they visit.
On this tour, they’ll be joined by ‘talking drum’ artist Massamba Diop, who has previously performed with James Brown, Herbie Hancock and Afro-pop star Baaba Maal.
Surabhi Ensemble aims to demonstrate the importance of cross-cultural exchange and to teach togetherness through their performances.
This Tuesday, the group will perform at the National University of Art Education at 9am before playing at Hanoi Rock City at 8:30pm. They’ll also play at Young Hit, Young Beat Music School at 6pm on Wednesday and at La Bodega at 8pm on Thursday.
[Top image courtesy of Surabhi Ensemble]
