Love for the great outdoors will empower the award-winning Mango Groove when they play their first London show in 20 years at the Hammersmith Eventium Apollo tomorrow (Saturday 7 March).
They are to perform at the launch of Africa’s first ever global conservation NGO, Wilderness Foundation Global. The show’s proceeds will go to rhino conservation in Africa.
Vocalist Claire Johnston said her interest in saving the natural world was kindled after going on a wildlife adventure with Wilderness Foundation founder Dr Ian Player, and is ecstatic to be a part of the movement.
“I had never been to a nature reserve in my life and it was just amazing to be immersed in that part of the world,” she said. “Sleeping under the stars in a different place every night was a real eye-opener.”
Player passed away in November after a short illness and the band means to do his legacy proud. “We became close friends with Dr Player and it just made sense to honour his life and memory.”
The 11-piece afro jazz act has identified with several other causes including literacy, non-racism and terminally ill children, but feel strongly about saving the environment.
“One day we will turn around and the environment as we know it will be gone. Like the plight of the rhinos, we are all aware of it but it is not changing,” said Johnston.
“Animals like cranes and pangolins also face extinction and we must all be active in spreading awareness around these issues: that is maybe the way we will win this war.”
Johnston said she was both anxious and excited to play in London but stressed that the band would be representing a new South Africa. “We are thrilled to be going back. It is such a different time for our country now, I am sure we will be playing to quite a few homesick South Africans, it is going to be an emotional show,” she said.
Mango Groove sold out the iconic Hammersmith Apollo when the played there in 1992 and expect to do the same again. They are supported by The Soil, Matthew Mole and Kinky Robot.
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