AFRO ELECTRIC MASH-UP: Jackson Wahengo & Alan Apaloo / FREE CONCERT

On Friday, August 30th, from 17:00 to 19:00, Nova Concerts invites you to an extraordinary musical encounter in the open-air courtyard of Huset i Magstræde, Copenhagen. The event is free of charge and marks a special Nova showcase featuring two of Africa’s most innovative and soulful guitarists: Jackson Wahengo (Namibia) and Alan Apaloo (Togo). Though hailing from opposite ends of the African continent, Wahengo and Apaloo share a singular passion: pushing the boundaries of their musical heritage through the language of the electric guitar. For this unique Copenhagen appearance, they will meet on stage to present a carefully crafted performance — a musical dialogue where each artist interprets and responds to the other's compositions in a dynamic interplay of tradition and innovation. From Windhoek to Copenhagen: Jackson Wahengo A master of rhythm and narrative, Jackson Wahengo is one of Namibia’s most respected musical voices. Deeply rooted in the protest folk traditions of Shambo and Kawina, his playing blends traditional melodies with the urban flair of Afro-jazz and township music. Having studied and performed across Southern Africa and Europe, Wahengo brings to the stage a politically conscious sound — elegant, groovy, and full of purpose. Electric Spirit from Lomé: Alan Apaloo From the coastal city of Lomé, Alan Apaloo has forged a unique path through highlife, jazz, and spiritual funk. Known for his textured sound and inventive phrasing, Apaloo has become a reference in the Nordic jazz scene, while remaining deeply connected to the traditions of his native Togo. His music is as introspective as it is joyful, driven by improvisation and storytelling. A Conversation in Sound – Composed, Rehearsed, and Alive Afro Electric Mash-Up is not a loose jam session, but a curated musical experience. Wahengo and Apaloo will perform each other’s compositions, exploring their distinct cultural roots while creating something entirely new together. The result is a performance that is at once thoughtful and vibrant, rehearsed and spontaneous, where heritage meets innovation, and dialogue becomes music. Expect soulful melodies, intricate rhythms, and the powerful synergy of two artists listening deeply, not just to each other, but to the continent that shaped them. With this concert, Nova introduces the FREE Summer Stage Concert Series, which will take our audiences on a free ride through our musical universe one afternoon each summer. We'll see you all very soon!