Video: Impromptu Leeds gig from Damon Albarn’s Africa Express

A COLLECTIVE of African and Western artists rolled into Leeds today to perform a pop-up gig at the city’s Jumbo Records.

Malian ngoni player Toumani Diabate, Ghanaian rapper M.anifest, Malian songstress Rokia Taroae, Senegalese kora player Diabel Cissokho and Romeo Stodart, lead guitarist of The Magic Numbers, jammed for an audience as part of Africa Express – a touring project co-founded by former Blur frontman Daman Albarn.

In total, 80 artists are taking part in the venture bringing together contrasting sounds for a host of gigs. They are travelling aboard a 1970s diesel train transformed into a live locomotive lounge. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

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