ADG7 
Concert

ADG7, short for ‘Ak Dan Gwang Chil’, derives its name from the combination of ‘Ak Dan’, which simply translates to ‘music band’, and ‘Gwang Chil’ (or ‘G7’ for brevity), which represents the seventieth anniversary of Gwangbokjeol— Korea’s National Day of Liberation from Japanese colonial rule, celebrated on 15 August in both South and North Korea. It was on this significant day in 2015 that the band was founded.

The band’s concept emerged from the pain arising from the division of Korea and the earnest desire to transcend it. Their repertoire is inspired by Korea’s sacred shamanic ritual music (gut) and folk songs (minyo) originating from the Hwanghae Province in the northern parts of the peninsula. Through a process of rediscovery and reinterpretation of their shared Korean cultural heritage, ADG7 expresses a deep yearning for liberation and unity. Their performances skillfully blend the spiritual blessings and invigorating energy of traditional instruments with a thoroughly contemporary—and at times humorous—approach.

79rs Gang
Concert

Comprising two rival Big Chiefs representing different wards of New Orleans, the 79rs Gang stands as a testament to the transformative power of music. The band’s inception in 2013 marked a pivotal moment when Big Chief Romeo Bougere of the 9th Ward Hunters and Big Chief Jermaine Bossier of the 7th Ward Creole Hunters set aside their differences to forge a bond through music. Rooted in the rich traditions of New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian culture, their collaboration not only honours the past but also propels the culture forward, captivating audiences worldwide in the process.

In New Orleans, ‘masking’ refers to the tradition of ‘Black Masking Indians’ or ‘Mardi Gras Indians’, stepping into the streets adorned in elaborate, hand-sewn suits embellished with feathers and beads. While the exact origins are elusive, the practice dates back to at least the nineteenth century, when Black New Orleanians honoured Native Americans who aided their enslaved ancestors on Mardi Gras, the final day of Carnival. This tradition involves a vibrant display of visual, musical, and theatrical arts, with participants representing their neighbourhoods as they move through the streets, engaging in confrontations and performing call-and-response chants accompanied by tambourines and cowbells. Over generations, these chants have influenced many of the city’s iconic music styles.

The Wild Magnolias, a renowned Black masking gang, made history in 1970 by incorporating funk musicians into their performances on influential records. Fifty years later, in 2020, the 79rs Gang continued this tradition of innovation by releasing Expect the Unexpected, a groundbreaking record that blends electronic elements, funk, R&B, and hip hop. Reshaping these sounds, 79ers Gang carries the stories of their ancestors and the vibrant rhythms of the present day, weaving a melody that invokes healing, unity, and resistance—a harmonious tribute to the spirit of New Orleans.

Daferwa
DJ Set

Daniel Fernando Wahl, also known as Daferwa, is a DJ, radio host, and curator. Co-founding the groundbreaking platform Mash It Up!. In 2007, he spearheaded the convergence of global electronic artists in Cologne long before the mainstream embraced diverse genres like Afrobeats, reggaeton, and baile funk. Drawing from his Mexican roots and upbringing in Germany, Daferwa skillfully crafts sets that seamlessly blend rhythms and dance cultures from across the transatlantic region. Since 2009, he has held the esteemed title of resident DJ for WDR COSMO, where he wields significant influence over the station's musical landscape, taking vibrant sounds to COSMO club gatherings in cities like Krefeld and Düsseldorf. Every Friday, Daferwa takes the helm of the COSMO DJ Session, a platform that amplifies sets from both national and international DJs and producers.