Off the Grid Gig Unites Africa Energy Forum Delegates

The African Energy Forum had an exciting start with a gig to celebrate the launch of the Off the Grid Club, a new programme created to encourage investment in Africa’s power and industrial sectors.

The Off the Grid Club has been created by EnergyNet – the pioneering energy-focused organiser of forums and collaborations and founding members Shake Your Power – founded by Faithless percussionist Sudha Kheterpal – and energy companies, PowerTurtle and Solektra International. The audience, made up of those involved in the development of Africa’s energy sector, enjoyed the gig, which was a celebration of African music. “It was a fantastic event, which demonstrated how the power of music and rhythm could bring people together in a common cause,” said Simon Gosling of EnergyNet.

The gig was curated by Sudha Kheterpal who put together a line-up that showcased the best of London African music. Performers included Imaani, the velvet voice behind iconic band, Incognito; Afriquoi, the five piece outfit that fuses African melodies and rhythms with house, funky, garage and dubstep; and DJ Rita Ray, the club and radio DJ who helped to revitalise the world music scene in London with the Mambo Inn. Also on stage was Fuse ODG, the MOBO Award winning British-Ghanaian rapper, who said: “The Off the Grid Club helps us to focus our minds on how we can build a ‘New Africa’; one in which technology providers and financiers can collaborate to develop the off grid energy space to the benefit of people, particularly in rural areas who don’t always have access to reliable energy sources.”

The success of the Off The Grid Club Gig has prompted the organisers to start considering other events that provide a forum for artists and musicians to perform while drawing attention to the objectives of the Club.

Further information about the Off the Grid Club is available at www.offthegridclub.com