About Us?
Kalabash grew out of a shared frustration with the dominance of a nostalgic misconception of a singular 'Africa'. One that is widely condemned as suffering without exception from a range of homogenous issues, the usual suspects being famine, debt, disease, corruption and war. This has built a common perception of continent wide poverty with little or no hope of development without external and notably Western help, in the various guises of aid, debt relief or trade.
In its place we aim to create a space to discuss and showcase the distinctive contemporary issues, prevailing histories and rich cultures of a continent as diverse as Europe, the America's or Asia. We hope to provide a forum for people to come to learn, debate and discuss the various political, historical and economic experiences of individual African countries; and to offer more a detailed and broader understanding of development. Just as importantly we wish to combine socio-political awareness with a celebration of music and culture. We aim to give a platform to Musicians and Independent film makers and encourage a wider audience to appreciate their works.
The Team
Tom Adams
Tom works as a professional economist for the Women and Equality Unit, within the government's equalities directorate. A former MSc graduate from the London School of Oriental and African Studies (development economics with reference to Africa) he has a past and ongoing academic interest in development economics, and a special interest in the economies of Southern Africa - particularly regarding gender issues and their relation to, and impact on, development. In addition to Kalabash Tom is a co-founder of the promotions team threetimestom (for info check www.thisisnatty.com).
Etienne Joseph (DJ Supa Scion)
A DJ, producer and aspiring soundboy, Etienne aka Supa-Scion is the other half of Kalabash 's resident musical team. Growing up around diverse musical influence and possessing a deep fascination with the power of sound, it was only natural for Etienne to follow his heart and make music his occupation. Originally a hip hop/drum and bass selector, Supa has long since diversified his taste to encompass sounds from across the African diaspora. When not making the people feel nice at Kalabash, you can find Supa working on a fresh beat in the studio or playing out as part of the Heads High collective. Whichever way you look at it, his music definately makes a difference.
Kate Glinsman
Kate's BA in International Relations with Development Studies has spurred her recent pursuit of a Masters in Globalisation and Development. She has participated in several political delegations around the world and has studied and worked internationally. Over the past year, Kate has been working for Rice N Peas Films and feature film "Shottas Paradise". Kate's events have spanned Dead Prez, Blak Twang, Love Music Hate Racism and Cinemania Film Festival working alongside both corporate and non-governmental organisations. Ongoing projects include edutainment and film screening events with London community development projects.
Lauren Roth De Wolf
As a publicist and co-ordinator of music events, Lauren's aim is to create a new genre of music through producing collaborative events with artists from around the globe. Lauren grew up around "world music" and this summer will be her tenth year working with the workshops at WOMAD, an environment that has given her a huge amount of inspiration over the years.
Lauren works as a publicist with musicians & organisations on their public profile, press and events. Bringing her political activist and campaign experience to her love of music, Lauren endeavors to ensure that her events carry a cultural, educational and political message.
Callum Simpson (DJ Springfield)
DJ, promoter, activist, underachieving politics graduate. Co-founder of Latin American social activist network Movimientos giving a platform for documentary films on Latin American, linking solidarity campaigns & organisations campaigning on the region, and promoting Latin music and culture. As a DJ has played at some of the foremost venues for world music and global underground sounds Notting Hill Arts Club, Guanabara amongst others, and brings Movimientos to Glastonbury 2007. His DJ sets encompass a wide variety of contemporary and traditional music. Also with a background in local government, disability awareness, British Sign Language and alternative therapy.