London African Music Festival 2006
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Bandleader and founder of the Master Drummers of Africa, Lord Eric Sugumugu from Ghana (left) with Nigerian talking drummer Ayan Ayandosu The 1st.
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Henri Gaobi of the Master Drummers of Africa. Henri also regularly performs with the Zimbabwean group Batanai Marimba.
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Some drums were very big, like this one.
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Rachel Magoola of the Women of Kampala.
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The Women of Kampala: (left to right) Milly Namakusa, Essence Kafozi, Rachel Magoola, Barbara Wamala.
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Toumani Diabeté and the Symmetric Orchestra, one of the festival's definite highlights.
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There were Toumani CDs and t-shirts for sale - and this: 'Balafon for sale £220'
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A smiling Toumani backstage after his excellent performance.
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DJ Eric Soul (right) meeting vibes player Corey Mwamba after his performance with Tony Kofi.
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The great Ethiopian singer Mahmoud Ahmed.
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Mahmoud Ahmed may be in his sixties but his energy even exceeds that of his young musicians.
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Justin Vali of the Madagascar Allstars.
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Algerian singer and violinist Akim El Sikameya.
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Akim El Sikameya signing autographs after his show.
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Cheikh Lô also signing autographs after his show.
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South African trumpeter and composer Claude Deppa, pictured her with Cuban violinist Omar Puente.
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Claude Deppa and his trumpet backstage after the show.
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Soukous star Kanda Bongo Man (middle) from DR Congo with two of his male dancers/ vocalists.
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Two of Kanda Bongo Man's dancers after the show.
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Kanda Bongo Man after the show - without his trademark flat-brimmed hat!
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The QEH foyer was heaving with visitors during the whole week. Pictured left to right: Balbir Singh (VillEdge festival), DJ Muchi Lukhezo (Hoza Africa), Beverley Chadwick, DJ Leon Parker (Belly Beats) and Saranya Parker.
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Nana Ocran (left) of the Africa Beyond organisation, and her friend film director Gaylene Gould about to check out the festival's closing party: Queen Salawa Abeni.
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This is what happened when Queen Salawa Abeni (in red) first joined her band on stage, they all danced around her and welcomed their queen, the Queen of Waka music - and the Queen of the London African Music Festival 2006.
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Queen Salawa Abeni after the show.
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Biyi Adepegba from Joyful Noise, the festival director of the London African Music Festival, having a quick rest after the last performance... and already planning the 2007 festival.
Photos: © Ilka Schlockermann