Sparlha Swa and Zéna

Join us a night of smooth melodies and West African influences with interdisciplinary vocalists and instrumentalists Sparlha Swa and Zéna on a special double bill.

 Sparlha Swa offers folk/soul/alternative music that is honest and evocative. Mixing impeccable vocals and haunting chords her songs speak to and about the human spirit. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, the artist pulls her inspiration from around the globe with mentors like Sade, Billie Holiday, Astrud Gilberto, Miriam Makeba and Ravi Shankar. Notable musical landmarks include landing a lead role in the critically-acclaimed Off-Broadway piece Fela! Directed by Bill T. Jones. The show won 3 Lucille awards, 5 Audelco awards, and has been nominated for Drama Desk as well. In an alternate universe, Sparlha works as a psychotherapy intern in Berkeley, and is at work on her 4th album Moongazing which incorporates story, imagery and song in a magical allegory of the soul. For this show, Sparlha will perform alongside vocalist Aarthi Belani.

Sparlha Swa – guitar & vocals
Aarthi Belani – vocals

“Smashing” – The New York Times

Check out Sparlha on the web

 Zéna is a Bay-area visual and performing artist and a student of Jaliyaa, the West African musical and oral tradition with a specialization in kora (West African harp), Zéna’s interdisciplinary background has allowed her to explore a seamless application of the same themes found in the music of the African Diaspora within her visual art. Blending storytelling with song, Zéna draws on influences from her time living in the Caribbean, Latin America, and East and West Africa; using her harp as an anchor to ground the music in classical West African styles.

Admission: $10-15. Doors at 7:00pm Show at 7:30.

Tickets will not be sold in advance for this event. Please arrive at the Red Poppy when doors open to purchase tickets.