A group of activists is putting on a gig on Saturday 11 March at B45 (45 Tulse Hill SW2 2TJ) in Brixton to raise funds to fight President Trump’s Muslim travel ban.
All proceeds from Musicians Against the Muslim Ban(d) Aid, or MAMBA, will go to the Council on American Islamic Relations (www.cair.com) – a civil rights organisation that supports Muslims who suffer state abuse of their human rights.
Five local acts will play from 7.30 pm: Mohammed Yahya, The Infinite Three, The Tuts (acoustic set), The Awkward Silences and Daniel Pascal – it’s a rich mix of Afro hip hop, female punk-pop, gonzo alt-folk and melodic electronica.
Headliner Mohammed Yahya is a Mozambique-born rapper/spoken word artist/youth mentor and a hip hop activist who was forced to flee his home country during its civil war. He has received publicity through global collaborations and appearances on mainstream TV in the UK and across Europe.
He said: “There are people working to incite hatred and create division instead of celebrating our vast diversity of cultures, faith and race.
“But whilst they work, we work twice as hard, diligently building bridges of love, understanding and empathy whilst supporting one another in the face of fascist and racist propaganda.”
Hywel Roberts, a journalist and charity worker who is organising the gig, said:
“After attending the protest against Trump’s state visit I was inspired to do something that could make a real difference to the fight.
“Raising money for organisations that are helping Muslims, as well as showing solidarity with a superb line-up of Muslim and non-Muslim artists, sends out a strong message that we are on the side of the oppressed and against those that seek to cause division between us.
“Live music has both the power to bring people together, create positivity and raise money for voluntary causes that can make a real difference.”
You know what’s unbelievable? The owners of B45, the same owners of VegBar as well, never paid their previous staff including chefs, waiters and K.P.’s, and then out of a sudden, they wanna pose as people of good will worried about the world and cruelty against foreigners? Ask then how many foreigners gave them sweat, blood and working power to this place running to be explored and never get paid by them. Instead of thinking on a global way to pose as cool people, they should tide up their professional relations with the others. Bunch of explorers.