MusicPress caught wind of the show via a fresh Africa Express press release, tied to their upcoming album, set to drop on 11 July. Along with details on the new tracks, the release confirmed several tour dates – and Budapest made the cut.
After hitting Roskilde in Denmark and Cruïlla in Spain, the crew heads to the Hungarian capital, with the concert taking place at Müpa on 6 July.
Africa Express has been shaking up the music world since 2006, founded by Damon Albarn and journalist Ian Birrell, according to Telex. The goal is to bring Western, Latin American, African, and Middle Eastern artists into one big, genre-bending conversation. Their upcoming album, Africa Express presents... Bahidorá, is all about celebrating the rich, eclectic culture of Mexico.
The lineup’s packed with big names: Fatoumata Diawara (who opened this year’s Budapest Ritmo), Django Django, Bonobo, and the wild cumbia-punk energy of Son Rompe Pera, last seen at Sziget a few years back, are all stepping on stage.
One of Albarn’s most legendary performances also comes courtesy of Africa Express. At Roskilde in 2015, the collective played a five-hour set that raged until 4 am – the stage manager literally had to carry him off. If Budapest gets even a fraction of that, we’re in for a special treat.
(Cover photo: Arturo Holmes - Getty Images)
