Meiway or The Highway

dublin | arts and media | event notice Friday April 17, 2009 13:06 by Africa Centre - Africa Centre

Africa Night the Natioanl Stadium Dublin

In celebration of Africa day on the 23rd May, funded by Irish Aid, the Africa centre is proud to present the much anticipated Meiway in concert at the National Stadium, South Circular Road, Dublin 8 from 7-11pm. His supporting artists include Rap Ireland, Shah, live DJ and much more. Buy tickets now at €15, €20 at the door. It is advisable to buy now by contacting Rebecca at the Africa Centre to avoid disappointment

Meiway – aka Monsieur Zoblazo or The Genius of Bassam – rules the dance floors all over the continent of Africa as well as having a huge fan base in Europe and Canada where he has toured extensively. BBC Africa on the Streets quote Meiway as “not only the most well-known Zoblazo artist.. also a Pan-African superstar”. He spearheaded Zoblazo (a catchy rhythm from southern Ivory Coast) and from the release of his first album in 1989 Meiway’s career has continued to exude vitality and vibrancy through his own signature style.

He became a member of ‘Pace’ which won The Podium Award in 1978. Following the break up of the band he founded his own, Les Genitaux, which went on to win his second Podium Award in 1981. Meiway made the move to Paris in 1985 and formed a new band, Defense d'Ivoire. His first album ‘Ayibebou’ was released in 1989. He instantly became a hit in French speaking Africa. Meiway returned to his homeland a star with his group Zo gang and began touring. This album earned him the Best Singer Award for the Ivory Coast. From his second album in 1990 entitled "200% Zoblazo" Meiway’s profile rose to even greater heights, and he released a steady stream of records and won countless awards in the years following. His most recent album "9ème commandement –900% Zoblazo" was released in 2007. Radio France International describe as “unashamedly audacious”

As if all of this was not enough in 2004 Meiway sang to raise awareness of AIDS in Africa and in 2009 he also found time to become a Good Will Ambassador for UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization). This youth initiative continues to collaborate with young people to encourage them to play a direct role in programmes and strategies aimed at boosting youth employment in the region.

Without doubt Meiway is an energetic and charismatic African performer who has spanned continents with his musical influence. His Zoblazo may vary from 200% to 900%, but there is no doubt about it, Meiway is the Zoblazo king forever! Make the 23rd of May a date in your diary to see Meiway live in Dublin.

An African DJ will MC the gig and support the lineup with an eclectic mix of African tunes.

Afro gig featuring Meiway can be seen at the National Stadium from 7-11pm 23rd May 2009 as part of the Africa day celebrations and funded by Irish Aid. His supporting artists include Rap Ireland, Shah, live DJ and much more.

Buy tickets now at €15, €20 at the door. Tickets are available from Africa Centre, 9c Lower Abbey Street, Methodist Church Building, Dublin1. Tel: 01 865 6951 or 086 8823765 Email: [email protected]