Sparkie Martin is a veteran independent promoter who’s worked with stone-cold legends, including James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones and Barry White. He’s also promoted shows by leading musical luminaries from Africa including Fela Kuti, Baaba Maal, Angélique Kidjo and Youssou N’Dour. Pollstar caught up with the high-energy and outspoken Martin, who resolutely believes Africa will be the source of the “next generation of worldwide music.” PollstarCourtesy Sparkie Martin Sparkie MartinPollstar : So you have two independent promoter companies, Spark Africa and House of Soul? I’ve been trying to put together an agency that represents African artists, whether it’s a tour from Africa or a European country, where they also live. Is it harder for North Africa acts to come for political reasons?

Source: The North Africa Journal July 13, 2021 20:14 UTC