Nzi Dada: Ritual Imaginaire

Ritual Imaginaire is a powerful piece of outdoor performance by Nzi Dada - a collaboration between Manchester-based bass player Jim Parris and Paris-based Cameroonian performance artist, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Xumo Nounjio. A collision between Bantu culture and contemporary performance, Ritual Imaginaire oscillates between fierce performance and a mystical ceremonial style, combining live music and powerful physical ritual with atmospheric lighting, sampled sound and sculpture.

The musical world of Nzi Dada draws on funk, jazz and electronics as well as a range of unusual ethnic instrumentation.Performances are highly percussive, with Xumo and percussionist Christophe V playing a variety of instruments including an African log drum, triggered samples, metallic instruments, both traditional and found, and lots of bead shakers. Dancer Line Nzakou brings a mesmeric quality to the show, dancing with long poles that accentuate the direction and movement of her limbs.

To date Ritual Imaginaire has been performed in the UK at venues including the National Theatre and the Arts Council’s Decibel showcase and internationally including festival performances in Holland and Spain

Nzi Dada website: www.neoglobal.net