Afrika Rainbow to present free Cape Verdean reggae concert at National Park

The 2014 Thursdays in the Park Concert Series continues with a performance of Cape Verdean reggae by the group Afrika Rainbow on Thursday evening, July 31, from 6:30-7:30 PM. The free concert takes place in New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park’s garden, 33 William Street, downtown New Bedford. In the event of inclement weather the performance will be moved indoors to the National Park theater.

Afrika Rainbow is a creative music group with roots in reggae, based on the principles of brotherhood, love for music and desire to spread a positive message to people in the world. The group members were born on the island of Santiago, Cape Verde, but the band was created in the United States in 2000. The group aims to promote the unity of African people and attract attention to Africa and the world. The band has a large repertoire of original songs that blend the rhythms of Cape Verde, roots reggae, hip-hop and African Diaspora music with lyrics that challenge the conscience.

The group plays regularly in the United States, and in 2007 represented the Chamber of Brockton at the “Taste of Metro South”. Afrika Rainbow was also invited to the Festival of Santo Amaro in Tarrafal in the years 2007, 2008 and 2010 and the Gamboa festival in Praia in 2012. Afrika Rainbow was twice nominated for the Cabo Verde Music Awards –CVMA for best reggae and best band on stage. The band is currently finishing its debut studio album.