Created in the wake of a brutal police massacre in the early 1990s, AfroReggae turn their socially conscious songs into blistering live performances. In the midst of lawlessness, they use the languages of rap and hip-hop to expose the violence that threatens to crush their community. Their musical militancy is a forceful alternative to the gunfire. In performance as in their everyday actions, they create alternatives for anyone who wants to imagine a society built on justice, respect and security.

For two performances only, AfroReggae brings to the Barbican stage a base-line experience of Brazilian culture: the beat of the favela, the shanty-town sound. Their multi-style performance is a skillful combination of the most vital movements in Brazilian culture, from Tropicalismo to mangue beat, from Paulista rap to samba-reggae, from capoeira to carioca funk. Afro Reggae arrive in London from opening the Rolling Stones concert on Copacabana Beach, and at the Barbican will be joined by UK urban music stars, Estelle and TY.