The Rhythmtree World Music Festival have announced that the legendary drummer Ginger Baker has just agreed to join the main stage line-up in July. He will be performing with his newly formed quartet, the Jazz Confusion, and also guest with Dele Sosimi’s Afrobeat Orchestra for the Rhythmtree's tribute to the music of Fela Kuti on Sunday 21st July.

Ginger is best known as ‘Rock's first superstar drummer’ and creator of the 60’s supergroup Cream with Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton. What is less well known is that he has had a lifetime involvement with African music. He lived in Nigeria from 1970 till 1976 and in 1971 recorded the album ‘Fela with Ginger Baker Live!’, which has recently been included in a list of the Best 40 Live Albums.

Festival organiser Gerry Priddle commented “When we first made enquiries about the booking we were expecting to just get the Jazz Confusion on the bill. When Ginger’s management informed him of our approach, and he looked at the Rhythmtree Sunday line-up, there was an immediate request that he also join the Fela tribute.

Ginger Baker said "I met Fela in the early 60s when he used to sit in at the all-nighters at the Flamingo. We became good friends. When I arrived in Nigeria in 1970 I met Fela again - this led to many musical adventures. Fela was a fantastic fellow, a great friend, I loved his music”. 

This booking will make the Sunday Rhythmtree Felabration a unique event in the UK festival calendar and something not to be missed for any afrobeat and world music fan.”

The Sunday line-up will now be..

Dele Sosimi’s Afrobeat Orchestra with guest drummers Ginger Baker and Abass Dodoo; Dutch afrobeat sensation Jungle by Night; The Ginger Baker Jazz Confusion featuring James Brown’s legendary horn section member Pee Wee Ellis; London Afrobeat Collective; Nahini Doumbia’s Malian drum orchestra Sankoulekan; Zimbabwean Zee Guveya’s Heritage Survival Band and the Isle of Wight’s own Fellowship of Groove.

The Rhythmtree has a great reputation for being the friendliest and most welcoming independent music festival on the Isle of Wight. It brings together an extraordinarily diverse rich mix of high quality world music and entertainment suitable for all ages and musical tastes.

The Rhythmtree World Music Festival takes place at Three Gates Farm, Calbourne, Newport, Isle of Wight  from Fri 19th to Sun 21st July

Tickets available from here