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La Linea, the London Latin music festival and SOAS Concert Series present a vibrant evening of music that explores the intersections of identity and culture with Alex Etchart and Olayá.

Each artist brings their unique background and artistic vision, promising an inspiring night of bilingual and boundary-pushing performances. Alex Etchart, a British Uruguayan artist, blends Latin, Irish, and British folk influences into a captivating sound. With a background in classical and jazz music, they have created a new project called Vientos, which celebrates queer narratives and vibrant rhythms. Their first single, Johnny Barnes, is a forgotten queer Irish folk song that seeks to connect hidden histories through music and storytelling.

Olayá is a flute and percussion band inspired by the pifano (bamboo flute) tradition from the Northeast of Brazil. Olayá combine the elemental force of flutes, rich vocal harmonies, driving percussion and bass. Their music is heavily rhythmic and contagiously fun, a fresh take on a traditional Brazilian sound.

The SOAS Concert Series is supported by HEIF