Latin beats at Norwich Theatre Royal

Mayra Andrade bringing Cape Verde
to Norwich Theatre Royal

There was big disappointment at Norwich Theatre Royal on Sunday when Mariza had to cancel her concert at the Norfolk and Norwich Festival due to poor health. Instead of leaving the Theatre empty for the night Mayra Andrade and Claudia Aurora were booked to play in her place.

All the ticket holders who chose to attend this concert instead of getting a refund on their ticket made the right decision as we were treated to a splendid night of World Music. There was always going to be a bit of sadness about not seeing world diva icon Mariza but the show has to go on.

First on stage was Portuguese Fado singer Claudia Aurora who's debut album Silencio is the first collection of original fado songs to be recorded in the United Kingdom. Songs of sadness maybe, but they give a true realism of how it is to live and the feelings associated with that. Life, destiny, longing and despair.

Mayra Andrade was headlining on the night. She's Cuban born who first appeared on stage in Cape Verde ten years ago. Her music explores the link between the rhythmic heritages of Cape Verde and the latin sounds of Brazil and Cuba. She brings a young fresh feel to the music while adding her own unique style.

Well done to the organisers of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival for putting on this concert at such sort notice. A very enjoyable evening when World Music took centre stage and we were all moving our feet to a latin beat well into the night.