MOTOR CITY DRUM ENSEMBLE
Over the years Danilo Plessow aka. Motor City Drum Ensemble has carved himself a reputation as one of the finest selectors in the game. With headline sets at esteemed festivals such as Dekmantel and Dimensions, and a string of acclaimed releases on his own MCDE imprint, Danilo is a DJ very much in high demand. His Gorilla show a couple of years back sold out well in advance, and his stock has only risen since then. Don’t sleep on this!
KAMAAL WILLIAMS (LIVE)
Kamaal Williams is a musician of many talents. Co-founder of Yussef Kamaal – Jazz FM’s Best Breakthrough Act of 2017 and championed by the likes of Gilles Peterson, Benji B and Alexander Nut – Their debut album Black Focus remains a cornerstone of scores of DJs’ record bags across the globe. With rumours of a second Black Focus on the way, we couldn’t think of a better venue to host the live rendition than the Grade II listed Wesleyan Chapel that is Albert Hall. Not to be missed!
DELE SOSIMI AFROBEAT ORCHESTRA (LIVE)
Dele Sosimi is a Nigerian-British musician who has in the past worked with with Afrobeat pioneers Fela Kuti and Tony Allen. Performing as part of a 15-piece orchestra, Dele takes on an extensive touring schedule and has breathed new life into modern day Afrobeat. Fun fact: The pièce de résistance – “Too Much Information” – has in fact been remixed by Community chief Irfan Rainy himself! Another live PA that will feel right at home at Albert Hall. Can’t wait!
RAHAAN
Chicago selector Rahaan is a real DJs’ DJ, well-versed in the art of dropping disco, boogie and soul, and a consistent presence behind the decks since the 90s. A key contributor to Marcel Vogel’s edit-focussed imprint Lumberjacks in Hell, many consider Rahaan to be the connecting tissue between the timeless sound of Chicago and New York, and the more contemporary disco brought to the limelight by selectors such as Floating Points and Hunee. Ever eclectic, you can expect the full spectrum of disco from DJ Rahaan!
HENRY WU
The multi-talented Kamaal Williams returns to the stage as alter-ago Henry Wu, his solo moniker. As a producer, his output has reached familiar labels such as 22a, Eglo Records, and Bradley Zero’s Rhythm Section. Behind the decks however, he’s built himself the reputation of a fearless selector, effortlessly breezing through genres and even dropping the odd grime number; Skepta’s “That’s Not Me” receiving a particularly raucous reception at Antwerp Mansion early last year. Top draw!
IRFAN RAINY
Rounding off the bill is Manchester stalwart Irfan Rainy, the man responsible for programming this awesome lineup. Irfan founded one of Manchester’s most famous record labels – the aptly named Rainy City Music – for which old releases can fetch extortionate prices on Discogs. So much so that for the label’s 20th anniversary, good friend MCDE reissued “It’s All In The Groove” on his own imprint in 2016. A successful musician in his own right and a killer DJ to boot, you can bet that Irfan will put his best foot forward for this one!
