Sonic Wave presents an evening of African songs, Indian-influenced rhythms and jazz in the Waveney Valley, Suffolk.
On Saturday 14th March at The Cut arts centre in Halesworth, Suffolk, music promoters Sonic Wave host their first event of 2026 with a double bill of African songs with Anna Mudeka, followed by the Jesse Barrett Trio – the new project of expanding jazz from the former Mammal Hands drummer.
“We’re delighted to welcome these two amazing East Anglian acts to Halesworth” says Sonic Wave organiser Françoise Lamy, “and by coincidence, both have just released their new albums and are touring this year, so it’s a great opportunity to discover their new material here in Suffolk!”
Percussionist and tabla player Jesse Barrett, described as “virtuosic” by The Guardian, leads his exciting new trio through multi-layers of rhythmic compositions and atmospheric soundscapes. Influenced by everything from North Indian rhythms, jazz improvisations and electronics, their performances skilfully blur the lines between ancient and modern! As part of their debut album tour promoting their Adhyatma release, Jesse will be joined by long time collaborator Owen Morgan on bass, and multi-instrumentalist Peter Beardsworth.
Drawing on her Zimbabwean heritage, singer, multi-instrumentalist and all round polymath Anna Mudeka performs a solo show, including songs from her upcoming album Ruvimbo, inspired by traditions and myths of her forebears – the Shona people. In the last year she garnered rave reviews for her much acclaimed solo theatrical production Mama Afrika, the true story of the late South African singer Miriam Makeba, which she also performed at The Cut. Let your soul be transported with songs in Kalanga, Ndebele and in Shona, with storytelling garnered from her grandmother, chanting, and a wonderfully rich combination of sounds.
Audiences can also enjoy a meal with flavours from Europe and the Middle East from 6pm, and the Halesworth Harmony choir will perform a few songs in the café before the concerts in the theatre begin at 7:30pm.
Sonic Wave: Anna Mudeka + Jesse Barrett Trio (double bill)
Saturday 14th March, at The Cut, 8 New Cut, Halesworth IP19 8BY.
Tickets: £15 adv / £20 door / £25 adv with meal (limited number) from www.thecut.org.uk and 0300 303 3211 (Tue – Sat, 10am – 2pm)
Sonic Wave is organised by local artists Addictive TV and supported by Arts Council England. Follow Sonic Wave on Facebook and Instagram @SonicWaveney
