AfroWelsh Connection
Event Details
Date: 18th July 2026
Time: 7:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Location: Monmouth Priory
Fundraising Concert: AfroWelsh Connection
Join us for a very special evening of live music and food in support of Bridges.
AfroWelsh Connection are a vibrant seven-piece band fusing the rich traditions of West African griots with the music and spirit of Wales. Expect an uplifting night of rhythm, storytelling and cultural connection in the beautiful setting of Monmouth Priory.
Tickets are £20, including a Jollof rice supper, with all proceeds going to Bridges.
Date: Saturday 18 July
Time: 7pm
Venue: Monmouth Priory
Tickets: £20, including supper
Come along, bring friends, and enjoy a joyful evening while helping support the work of Bridges.
Click the Link below to buy tickets!
AfroWelsh Connection
AfroWelsh Connection is a Welsh–West African fusion band founded by husband-and-wife musicians Bunja and Liz Conteh. Based in South Wales, the group blends traditional Mandinka griot music from The Gambia with contemporary folk and world influences, creating performances and educational workshops that promote cross-cultural understanding.
Key facts
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Founded by: Bunja and Liz Conteh
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Origin: South Wales, United Kingdom
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Debut album: Tamala (2024)
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Core instruments: Kora, guitar, flute, mandolin, djembe
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Primary genres: African griot, world fusion, folk
Origins and Style
The band’s name reflects its dual heritage: Bunja Conteh, a Gambian-born griot and kora virtuoso, and Liz Conteh, a Welsh-born singer and multi-instrumentalist. Their music combines West African kora melodies and rhythmic drumming with Welsh and Celtic influences, characterized by call-and-response vocals, layered harmonies, and acoustic instrumentation.
Members and Instrumentation
In addition to Bunja and Liz Conteh, AfroWelsh Connection’s lineup has included Terry Payne (mandolin, violin), Chandra Moon (flute, vocals), Marc Smith (bass), Omar Sanyang (calabash, djembe), and Lucy Marley (backing vocals, percussion). The ensemble’s arrangements highlight the interplay between the kora’s 21 strings and the textures of Western folk instruments.
Education and Outreach
The group is known for its participatory workshops in schools and communities, introducing audiences to African drumming, griot storytelling, and kora meditation. These programs emphasize rhythm, teamwork, and cultural appreciation.
Tamala (2024)
Released in March 2024, Tamala is the band’s debut album, featuring five tracks—“Bani Le,” “Gambia,” “Dimba Musolu,” “Sinafa,” and “Gebanarr.” The album, recorded in Pontypool, Wales, showcases AfroWelsh Connection’s hypnotic and uplifting blend of West African grooves and Celtic folk harmonies.
