United Sounds of Africa project to introduce U.S.A audiences to Africa’s biggest musicians

The music will emphasize unity and connections amongst Africa and the USA by working with new and existing partners to create music and cultural connections with their individual brands in the context of a global music agenda.United Sounds of Africa (USA) will kick-off their first ever North American tour in August, 2012 featuring the top names in the contemporary African urban and hip-hop scene, with shows in select markets (scroll down for complete dates).

The tour, sponsored by Interglobe Entertainment Group (IEG) and Live Nation, will introduce music fans in the U.S.A to current African artists including headliner Tuface Idibia, who was recently profiled on CNN as one of “Africa’s Top 10 Music Stars” and winner of the BET Network’s 2011 “Best African Artist” award. 

With the first stop August 1st in Houston, TX, the tour also features Nigerian artists M.I. signed to Nigerian record label Chocolate City. Other artists include, Timi Dakolo, first-ever winner of Africa’s version of American Idol, J Martins, who is popular in Africa’s francophone countries, and Iyanya, the first winner of MTN’s West African “Project Fame” reality TV show.IEG created the USA project to bring the best African music vocalists/artists/composers together for a series of live performances uniting Africa’s diverse musical cultures.

In addition, the USA tour will connect current African artists with those of the diaspora, continuing the legacy of such globally successful, African-born artists as Akon, Sade, K’naan and others.

“USA is a musical bridge that musically connects our taste, culture and lifestyle,” says Jinadu. “This will be an open platform for any audience that relates to a musical exchange and collaboration from one continent to the other.”

Agent Jeremy Holgerson at the Agency Group says that this is the first such tour of many. “We see this as the premier tour for what will become a yearly event showcasing the wealth of talent and music coming from Africa right now.”

Headliner Tuface Idibia, the new heir to Nigerian’s legendary music scene, combines reggae with hip-hop and has received numerous international awards and accolades The globally renowned performer has collaborated with Mary J Blige, R. Kelly and many others. His new album, Away and Beyond, was proclaimed a “five-star display from the Field Marshall of Nigerian music” by the Nigerian press (click to read the article)

Nigerian producer/multi-instrumentalist/lyricist M.I., winner of 2009 World Hip-Hop Award, has been described by DIV as “the future of African hip-hop.” Jesse Jagz, often described as the Nigerian Kanye West, is also a chart topper in his native country with such hits as “Pump it Up.” Inyaya, who’s had a string of hits in West Africa, will be presenting Nigeria in the UK’s Africa Unplugged concert this August. Along with Timi Dakolo and J Martins, this bill offers audiences a chance to experience the diverse talents of these seven vital, amazing artists on one stage. For more information, visit http://www.unitedsoundsofafrica.com/

TOUR DATES: 
• Wednesday, Aug. 1 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
• Friday, Aug. 3 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage
• Sunday, Aug. 5 – Washington, DC – Howard Theatre
• Tuesday, Aug.7 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
• Thursday, Aug. 9 – Toronto, ON – Opera House
• Friday, Aug. 10 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
• Sunday, Aug. 12 – Los Angeles, CA – House of Blues

ARTIST LINE-UP 
- Tuface
- M.I.
- Jesse Jagz
- J Martins – contact IEG
- Timi Dakolo – contact IEG
- Iyanya – contact IEG

About IEG
Interglobe Entertainment Group (IEG) is a global leader in media and entertainment, upholding multiple subsidiaries while encompassing a 360 degree approach in music, film, talent and media.

About Live Nation
Live Nation Entertainment is the world’s leading live entertainment and eCommerce company, comprised of four market leaders: Ticketmaster.com, Live Nation Concerts, Front Line Management Group and Live Nation Network.