Pa’lante: Afro-Venezuelan Culture in Support of Earthquake Relief

About this event

Pa’lante returns with a night of Afro-Venezuelan music, culture and solidarity, raising funds for communities affected by the earthquake that have received far less attention. Much of the coverage focused on La Guaira. But along Venezuela’s coast, other communities were also hit hard and, in many cases, barely made the headlines. Homes were damaged, families were displaced, and some people lost everything. Among those affected are members of Fundabarlovento , a community project that works with children to keep Afro-Venezuelan musical traditions alive. Some of its founders are now living in temporary shelter while trying to rebuild their lives and continue their work with the community. The earthquake also destroyed tools and materials used to make instruments. But the drums are still alive. This event is built around that idea. The drums travelled here, to London. Their sound stayed with us. Now the music travels back to Venezuela. In Afro-Venezuelan culture, the drum is more than an instrument. It brings people together. It carries memory and identity, and it has long been a form of resistance. The Venezuelan drum is also democratic: you do not need a stage, status or formal training to be part of it. You join the rhythm. Tonight, Pa’lante brings that rhythm back through a workshop, live music and percussion, sharing Afro-Venezuelan culture while raising funds and awareness for communities rebuilding after the earthquake. The drums of Pa’lante beat again for Venezuela. Join us for wonderful live Afro-Venezuelan music in London. All profits will go to Venezuela Earthquake Relief