Music that makes pictures dance.

Little did Len and Georgia Morris know when they met Jana Herzen founder of Motema Music that a like-minded relationship would blossom to produce a magical array of film and music projects centered on children around the world. On their latest trip to Kenya, Galen(GA.&LEN) shot and produced a music video for Motema pianist Geri Allen's best-selling Xmas album, A CHILD IS BORN. Soon after, they discovered that Motema is actually an African word meaning "heart". Given that their newest documentary about children and poverty is called, THE SAME HEART, this relationship seemed destined to flourish.

Motema then offered their stable of artists for the soundtrack for Galen’s new documentary and two African stars signed on immediately, Moroccan singer Malika Zarra and Awa Sangho, " The Golden Voice of Mali".  From the start, Awa wanted to do more than provide film music and so, she's bringing her Afrobeat and a band of 7 side-men to the Vineyard for an exclusive night at Flatbread Company, on Thursday, July 11^th. All monies raised will benefit the final editing of THE SAME HEART.

The music of the cultures of Northern Mali shaped Awa as a child. As a young woman, she moved to Ivory Coast where she quickly became immersed in the West African music scene, composing songs and recording 5 popular albums which led to her first world tours. 

Awa, who learned song-craft from Ali Farka Touré, has since toured with a who’s who of African music: Salif Keïta, Manu Dibango, Amadou and Mariam, Habibe Koité, Cheick Tidiane Seck, Marc Cary, Bassekou Kouyaté and Oumu Sangaré.

Awa will be joined by master percussionist Daniel Moreno, who has collaborated with countless jazz and world music legends from George Benson and Roy Haynes to Chico Buarque. Awa and Daniel’s 7-piece band of musicians will rock the house with their West African beat!

This is a dance party not to miss!

The benefit evening is presented by Motema Music and Media Voices For Children. Music starts at 9:30pm, Flatbread Company (formerly Hot Tin Roof @ the MV Airport).

Advance tickets are $20, available online at ticketsmv.com and Above Ground in Edgartown, Corner Five in Oak Bluffs, Green Room in Vineyard Haven and Alleys in West Tisbury. Tickets will be $25 at the door.

VIP Reception starts at 8pm. Meet musician Awa Sangho and her musicians, enjoy the Prosecco Bar and dining on Flatbread gourmet pizza. Continue the party dancing to Awa’s infectious African beat! VIP Tickets are $75 on Tickets MV or call Media Voices for Children at 508/693-0752.