“You are very lovely people,” says Nuru Kane with a huge grin as he surveys his dancing, clapping, chanting audience. “When we next go on tour we are going to start it right here!” And he points two long index fingers to the stage under his feet.
This is good news for the crowd, who are pretty warmed up by this point – and the intensity of their reaction confirms that Kane has won them over completely. It’s good news as well for the people of Rye and its environs, who have been treated since last autumn to an eclectic series of live performances at The School Creative Centre, and are showing their appreciation by packing out the house each time.
Nuru Kane was a smart choice for the second of this year’s shows at The School. His effortless blend of the sounds and rhythms of west and north Africa with reggae, blues and jazz was keenly received by the mixes of age and style on the floor (there were children dancing as well as their parents and a sprinkling of grandparents). And everyone appeared to be entirely wrapped up in the intoxicating sounds produced by Kane and his band, Bayefall Gnawa.
