| Obase-Aboli | |
| February 18, 2026 | |
| 1:00 am | |
| Norwich, United Kingdom | |
| Norwich Arts Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom | |
| Google Map |
Echoes of the Balafon: An Evening with Obasi-Aboli is a live performance and cultural experience led by internationally acclaimed double 22-key chromatic balafonist, composer, and producer Obasi-Aboli. This event invites audiences in Norwich to encounter African traditional music through a contemporary, globally informed lens that blends rhythm, melody, history, and innovation.
At the heart of the evening is the balafon—one of Africa’s oldest melodic percussion instruments—reimagined by Obasi-Aboli through advanced chromatic tuning and modern compositional techniques. Drawing from West and Central African musical traditions, jazz improvisation, and classical forms, Obasi-Aboli presents original compositions alongside reinterpreted traditional works, offering listeners both technical brilliance and emotional depth. The performance highlights the balafon not only as a rhythmic instrument but as a fully expressive melodic voice capable of complex harmony and narrative storytelling.
Beyond performance, the event incorporates contextual storytelling and brief audience engagement moments, providing insight into the cultural origins of the balafon, its role in African societies, and its evolving place in contemporary global music. Obasi-Aboli’s presence as a TED Fellow and cultural ambassador adds depth to the experience, positioning the event as both an artistic and educational offering.
This event is designed to appeal to a broad audience, including world music enthusiasts, jazz listeners, students, educators, and members of the local community interested in cultural exchange. It aligns strongly with Norwich’s reputation as a city that values creativity, diversity, and the arts. Echoes of the Balafon is not only a concert, but a celebration of heritage, innovation, and the power of music to connect cultures across borders.