MANDELA STAGE LINE UP 2024

SATURDAY 8 JUNE

OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL 11:40
BIG NOISE CHOIR 12:00
PAPERS 13:10
THE ROC PROJECT 14:15
THE SOUTH AFRICAN CULTURAL GOSPEL CHOIR UK 15:20
NIGERIAN COMMUNITY DANCE 16:40
EXETER JAZZ ORCHESTRA 17:30
SOUTH KERALA INDIAN DANCE 18:30

OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL

BIG NOISE CHOIR
The Big Noise Chorus was first created under their Director of Music, Colin Rae nearly 14 years ago and has grown to have over 450 members covering Exeter, Torbay and Ashburton. Since then there have been many memorable occasions including a sell-out 10th anniversary concert at Exeter Cathedral in 2019. Also during that time, over £100,000 has been raised for charitable causes. Their performances cover a wide musical spectrum and membership is open to everyone regardless of musical experience.

THE PAPERS
The Papers started in Brixton London in 1979, playing rock reggae around London pubs and clubs. Exeter based, they have released three albums, their single In Vienna was released in July 2020, followed by covers of Whiskey In The Jar, Space Oddity and Message In A Bottle’.

THE ROC PROJECT
The Roc Project is a music school for primary and secondary children.  The children are taught how to play instruments (guitar, bass, drums or vocals), learn to play as a band and perform several times a year in the Exeter area.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN CULTURAL GOSPEL CHOIR UK
Formed by the most talented & professional African artists & musicians based in the UK,  the South African Cultural Gospel Choir UK sing in different African languages, acapella, classical & traditional gospel songs with a band & an energetic Zulu dance bringing excitement & telling a story.

NIGERIAN COMMUNITY DANCE
Newly formed Nigerian community in Exeter, are lined up to share their traditional Nigerian Dance, vibrant and colourful with the taste of West Africa.

EXETER JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Exeter Jazz Orchestra is one of Devon’s premier Big Band’s, seamlessly blending old school toe-tapping classics from the likes of Count Basie, Glenn Miller & Benny Goodman to the more modern belting beats of Gordon Goodwin, Thad Jones & Buddy Rich. They are a band not to be missed!!

SOUTH KERALA INDIAN DANCE
Exeter Kerala Community Association will perform a traditional Indian dance from India from the region of South Kerala, this will be a vibrant colourful dance to bring this region to Exeter.

SUNDAY 9 JUNE

KIRTAN YOGA 11:00
SOUL OF THE CITY GOSPEL CHOIR 12:15
NO ORDINARY FISH 13:25
HAZAAR 14:35
THE LOOSE CANNONS 15:30
SHUMBA TRIBE16:20
KURDISH GOVEND DANCE 17:20

KIRTAN YOGA BY MEGHA AND GROUP
Kirtan is an essence to yoga that links one with the divine. Kirtan usually offers a journey deep within the very heart of our soul. Expec: live devotional mantra music by variety of musicians and instruments, immersive guided meditations, call and response form of chanting, friendly atmosphere. Bring a friend and meet new friends.

SOUL OF THE CITY GOSPEL CHOIR
An inspirational gospel choir from Exeter, led by professional vocalist, songwriter and arranger Emma Watson, supported by our live gospel house band, directed by multi-instrumentalist, composer and arranger Alfie Pugh. Soul of the City builds communities and creates connection, uplifting the lives of singers and audiences around the UK, spreading joy through the incredible sound of contemporary gospel music.

NO ORDINARY FISH
Based near Exeter, this is their first time playing at Respect. Drummer/singer Stu has Multiple Sclerosis and their songs are all original and catchy. Debbie sings and plays guitar while husbnad Stu harmonises. No Ordinary FIsh are currently getting great feedback on their 2nd album, with their catchy tunes that appeal to a wide range of music lovers.

HAZAAR
Hazaar, a vibrant six-piece ensemble hailing from Dartmoor, blends clarinet, sax, violin, flute, guitar, double bass, and drums into a mesmerising fusion. With infectious energy and versatility, they infuse traditional Balkan/klezmer melodies with funky rhythms, rock vibes, and gypsy jazz flair, crafting their signature “Eastern European folk-rock” sound. Hazaar commands stages across the South West with their dynamic performances, embodying fifteen years of immersion in the rich musical tapestry of Eastern Europe, Greece, and the Balkans.

THE LOOSE CANNONS
The Loose Cannons are a local 12 piece function band who played for the first time at the Respect Festival in 2019. They will be playing a mixture of soul, funk, disco, rock, ska, reggae and pop covers.

SHUMBA TRIBE
Brighten up your day with a dynamic blend of drumming, dance and song from Exeter’s own rhythmic community group ~ Shumba Tribe. Inspired by a deep respect for rhythmic traditions from the African continent, Shumba Tribe is lead by Denise Rowe and Allan Kerr, with support from Arjun Maghee. Come and participate!

KURDISH GOVEND DANCE
Kurdish traditional dance played in a group who perform at weddings, festivals and even as an act of resistance against their oppressors.