Hileli APKlar

Jumoke Fashola, who uses African chants, drums and rhythms in her music, is excited to be part of such a varied festival. “The joy is experiencing something you wouldn’t necessarily have seen before,” she says. “London African Music Festival offers diversity, something different, and is a reflection of the fact that the diaspora can bring together many different influences.”

You were born in Cape Town and now live and work in Johannesburg. How do feel about your work being described often as ‘attempting to understand both South Africa’s past and present’?
Well, there is not much I can do in terms of how people read the work. Yes, I do have an interest in history, the present and the future but this is not something I am interested in via South Africa, but the world at large as well. 

Tell us about the moment or moments that led to your decision of becoming an artist.
I was too lazy to get a job so becoming an artist seemed very relevant to do. 

What other artists have influenced your work?
My mother, who was somewhat of a failed musician ... maybe that is a bit harsh but she never became known, but did record with an important South African jazz musician.

Are there any upcoming projects you are working on that you can tell us about?
I am hoping to spend the last six months of the year reading a lot.