Redchild

Born in Berlin, Alassane Jensen aka Redchild has lived in Hamburg since his youth and has found his form of expression here in hip hop. He himself says that he »paints pictures with language«. At his concert in the Elbphilharmonie, Redchild presents his brand new album »Griot«. Supported by a 17-piece ensemble, guest artists and visual effects, he leads us through an evening full of stimulating impressions.

Redchild lead vocals

Nathalie Dorra back vocals

Donielle David back vocals

Darrin Lamont Byrd back vocals

Hugh Augustine MC, rap

Bongiwe Indlovukazi feature vocals

Benét Monteiro feature vocals

Sthembiso Day feature vocals

Menzel Mutzke trumpet

Benjamin Stanko trumpet

Max Rademacher saxophone

Oleg Rovner saxophone

Luke O’Malley guitar

Achim Seifert bass, synthesizer

Simon Grey keyboard

Matthias Banse keyboard

Wanja Hasselmann drums

Stephan Emig percussion

In West African cultures, the word »griot« refers to a storyteller or singer who passes on and preserves traditions and knowledge with his stories and singing. Redchild now also takes on this role on his new album. On a musical basis of hip-hop, neo-soul, jazz and Afrobeat, he thematises his own story, between his roots in Benin and life in Germany, and establishes a connection between his two »homelands«.

In terms of content, the album »Griot« repeatedly revolves around the topic of decolonisation. With Griot, Redchild also presents an act of resistance: the stories on the album question the colonial legacy, celebrate the diversity of African cultures, give a voice to the oppressed and herald a new era of cultural self-determination. But other themes also feature on the album: It is also about the cyclical nature of conflict, the delicate balance between tradition and innovation and the critical thinking needed to tackle the challenges of our time. The lyrics, music and arrangements were written by Redchild herself.

The concert series »Made in Hamburg« takes place in co-operation with RockCity, is sponsored by the Haspa Music Foundation and presented by ByteFM.