—

Imagine the scene: Gilberto Gil leading Filhos de Ghandhy at a closed fish market in London. Not following? We can explain: Gil has been chosen to host the festival Back2Black, which after three editions in Brazil, and bringing names such as Macy Gray and Erykah Badu, is now landing in London. Gil has been actively participating in the event and it was he who made this Brazil / England exchange: "I suggested that the festival be in London this year exactly because the Olympics will be held there, and I thought about adding a root feel to it with Filhos of Ghandhy," he said.

* A heavyweight team is booked to share the stage with him: Marcelo D2, Mart’nália, Luiz Melodia, Emicida and Criolo have already confirmed their presence and there’ll even be a funk party there. With scenography signed by Bia Lessa, the event will have four stages, one being underground, all assembled in the former Old Billingsgate market, chosen for being very similar to Leopoldina Station, headquarters of the Rio editions of the festival.

* In addition to the concerts, just as in the Brazilian version, conferences and exhibitions of contemporary art are also part of the event, which promotes black culture to the world. "It’s a challenge. London has a large African community, so the audience is much more demanding. It will be completely different than doing it in Rio," said the managing director Connie Lopes. International attractions are still being settled, but it’s looking up to be an incredible line-up. Ready your passport!