About Celebrating Sanctuary: Ben Okafore (Nigeria)
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Running time 1hr
Celebrating Sanctuary in partnership with B:Music
Celebrating Sanctuary returns in 2025 to continue our Lunchtime Concerts series. We look forward to bringing you many amazing World Music artists throughout the year. With a spectrum of local, national and international musicians, originating from around the world. We start the year with some new names to our programme that we know you will enjoy! African Reggae from Nigeria, Melodic sounds from Central & East Africa, Folk music with a Greek influence and much more to come! Stay tuned for announcements!
Ben Okafore (Nigeria)
Ben Okafore is a singer songwriter born in eastern Nigeria who moved to the UK in 1979. His music and early life were shaped by the traumatic experience of being caught up in a civil war, refered to as the Biafra War, and at the age of 13 he fought as a boy soldier. The pain and destruction he witnessed during that period soon began to influence the lyrics he wrote, his songs reflecting a heart-felt plea for justice, truth and love.
Ben’s sound is a combination of rich lyrical African heritage, classic folk protest and driving reggae beats which led to him winning the ‘Outstanding British Reggae Artist Award’
On moving to the UK Ben settled in the Midlands, releasing two albums produced by Bob Lamb of early UB40 fame. His commitment to social justice led to collaborations with ‘Amnesty International,’ ‘The Anti-Apartheid Movement’, ‘The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers’. Ben campaigned and toured as part of ‘War Child’ and ‘Make Poverty History’ always using the global language of music as his main tool. With several album releases Ben has featured African Artists such as Alpha Blondy, Angelique Kidjo, Youssou N’Dour and Salif Keita.
Stay tuned for announcements about more events in 2025
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Booking Info
No Booking Required
Wheelchair Users and Disabled Patrons
If you require a wheelchair position (subject to availability) please call the Box Office on 0121 289 6343.
A range of tickets and services are available under our Access Scheme. To find out more, or to join the Access Scheme, email boxoffice@bmusic.co.uk or call us on 0121 289 6343.
Free Events
Our free events are general admission and seating cannot be guaranteed.
Running Times
Our performance running times are usually confirmed close to the show. Where available we'll post the times as soon as we can get them, so check back about a week before for updates. Performance running times are approximate and subject to change.