What’s Going On
With alumni including Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia and Ezra Collective, renowned talent development organisation Tomorrow’s Warriors is known for pushing the boundaries in jazz.
In celebration of their 30th anniversary they present a tour of their world-class ensemble, Nu Civilisation Orchestra, for a tribute to Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, kicking off in Brighton in October’s Black History Month.
Conducted by Peter Edwards, the 23-piece Nu Civilisation Orchestra (NCO), featuring acclaimed British soul singer Noel McKoy, Nathaniel Facey (alto sax) and Cherise (vocals), will make a perfectly timed creative exploration and celebration of Gaye’s seminal masterpiece, five decades after its release, with immersive visual projections by Yeast Culture, and a special guest performance from spoken word artist AFLO. the poet from Brighton.
Tomorrow’s Warriors’ Artistic Director Gary Crosby OBE, says:
‘The What’s Going On tour will be a wonderful way to celebrate our 30th anniversary through one of the greatest albums of all time. Marvin had anti-war sentiment in his heart, plus inner-city blues, social deprivation and inequality in the community. It is as relevant today as ever...’
Local spoken word artist AFLO. the poet from Brighton said, 'Marvin Gaye was inspired (...) after witnessing police brutality and, following the murder of George Floyd and subsequent BLM uprisings, this piece is still so painfully relevant in the fight for racial equality and social justice. Artists like Marvin have paved the way for artists like me to speak their minds on the unfortunate truths of our society. It will truly be an honour and a privilege...'
The show will begin with a prelude based on Gaye’s Trouble Man, that will create the cultural setting for the album through music, projections and spoken word. The second part of the show will focus on the genius of What’s Going On, conjuring up Gaye’s extraordinary song cycle and the tumultuous personal and political circumstances that drove the singer’s music-making.
Join us for a fitting homage to a legend that inspired and connected generations.
The tour is produced by Tomorrow’s Warriors, which celebrates its 30th year in 2021.
