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Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Bob Vylan slams 'out of touch' Blur's Damon Albarn after 'misfire' Glastonbury swipe
Rap-punk duo Bob Vylan responded to 'out of touch' Blur legend Damon Albarn after he called their Glastonbury set a 'spectacular misfire' Bob Vylan hit out at 'out of touch' Blur star, Damon Albarn, who called the rap-punk duo's Glastonbury Set a 'spectacular misfire'. The duo have been subject of a criminal investigation, had shows cancelled and their US visas revoked over their chant, "Death, death to the IDF." While the duo received criticism from some, they also gained hundreds of thousands of followers on social media following their decision to speak up. Currently, it's estimated that over 58,000 Palestinians have been killed, with reports saying that hundreds have been killed by Israeli forces while waiting for aid. The duo have also climbed the charts following their Glastonbury performance, with social media users saying they 'resonate' with the duo. Following their Glastonbury performance, Blur's Damon shared his thoughts on the controversy and told The Times: "It was one of the most spectacular misfires I've seen in my life. "Especially when he started to goose-step in tennis gear. I mean, I've had my moments — not quite as catastrophic as that, but you do get carried away. The old testosterone gets you going. But it's unfortunate. Everyone's just so hysterical.' Bob Vylan issued a quick response to the scathing remarks as he slammed the 'out of touch 90s musician'. The group posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "A little help for any other out-of-touch 90s musician asked about Bob Vylan at Glastonbury. "Your response should probably resemble something to the effect of: 'Over 58k Palestinians killed since Oct 7th 2023. Over 700 killed while attempting to get aid… "Over 1400 medical workers killed since Oct 7th. Genocide is being live-streamed for all to see, and the UK is not simply allowing it to continue but facilitating it, along with the United States. Why are we talking about a punk band? End." Damon also discussed his passion project, multinational collective Africa Express, during the same interview and said: "Part of the huge issue of Palestine is the way that their identity is being eroded so brutally'. 'Africa Express could go into Palestine. It's not about politics, it's about culture. And so I would also want to go to Israel and bring people together. If I was asked to go to Russia, I would go. I'd go to Ukraine too," he said. Bob Vylan performed multiple sell-out shows following their Glastonbury set, including one at The 100 Club this month. However, they were forced to stop fans chanting "death, death to the IDF" in the crowd. Frontman Bobby Vylan pointed at those chanting the phrase, and told them: "No no no no no, you're gonna get me in trouble. Apparently, every other chant is fine, but you lot will get me in trouble.' He soon led the crowd in a chant of 'Free, free Palestine'.
Perth Now
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Damon Albarn: Oasis won the battle and the war
Damon Albarn has "conceded defeat" to Oasis. The 57-year-old singer's band Blur had a huge rivalry with the Live Forever hitmakers in the 1990s - which culminated with the so-called Battle of Britpop, when both groups released singles in the same week in 1995, with Blur's Country House ultimately taking the number one slot ahead of Oasis' Roll With It - but now Damon has hailed his former foes "the winners" following the huge demand for tickets for their reunion tour this summer. He told The Sun newspaper: 'Well, it was obvious, wasn't it? 'I think we can officially say that Oasis won the battle, the war, the campaign, everything. 'They are the winners. They take first place. In the face of such overwhelming evidence, I am happy to accept and concede defeat. 'It's their summer and God bless them. I hope everyone has a wonderful time but I'm going to be in a very, very different place.' Damon warned his former rivals that they may find their reunion more emotional than they expect to, which he did when Blur played two gigs at London's Wembley Stadium two years ago, and is in awe of them for booking so many shows. He said: 'I couldn't do as many gigs as they're doing. That's a lot of the same emotion. 'They're very brave and I hope it's worth it. You know, money isn't everything.' While the Gorillaz and Africa Express frontman thinks the Britpop days of the 1990s were more "joyous" than the current time, he isn't particularly interested in looking back. He said: 'I'm not being funny but it does feel like a more innocent, joyous age than now. "Nostalgia's OK but I try and stay away from it as much as possible. Sometimes you can't help but be lost in it.' Damon has been busy working with his Africa Express collective and he relishes not having to be the "centre of attention" with the group. He said: 'I killed Damon the pop star many years ago. It was a gentle death. I'm just not that interested in being the centre of attention. 'Don't get me wrong, I embrace it when it's necessary but it's only a bit of me. 'And Africa Express is always an amazing opportunity just to become one of many.'
Scottish Sun
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I killed Damon the pop star years ago… Africa Express is an amazing chance to be one of many', says Blur's Albarn
The Blur frontman also reveals his thoughts on the huge reunion of Britpop rivals Oasis JUNGLE JAM I killed Damon the pop star years ago… Africa Express is an amazing chance to be one of many', says Blur's Albarn Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE last time I saw Damon Albarn – until now that is – was at Wembley Stadium in July 2023. He and his Blur bandmates, arms around each other, took a final bow before disappearing into the balmy summer night. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 The Blur frontman says he has 'killed' Damon the pop star years ago Credit: Mathieu Zazzo 6 Damon with Africa Express on a recent trip to Mexico Credit: Camila Jurado Two years to the week later, he's talking to me about his latest exploits with Africa Express and Gorillaz. But first he provides a moment of reflection on the Blur reunion which has paved the way for this year's all-conquering return of Britpop in the shape of Oasis and Pulp. 'There were certain reasons why the decision was made to play Wembley . . . blah, blah, blah,' he says without going into detail. 'We did it. I made an album around it. I gave my heart and soul to it. 'But there was no agenda of world domination. It was something I felt was necessary to do — briefly.' 'Oasis won the battle, the war' After an ensuing radio silence, I've been given the chance to find out what Damon's been up to since. 'I'm back,' he affirms when our video call flickers into life. 'I'm ACTUALLY back. 'I've been incredibly busy making music — it's what I love to do — so I suppose I'm going to have to share some of it soon. 'Inevitably there will always be a dustbin bag full of stuff that needs dropping off at the recycling!' Damon's looking relaxed and happy as he continues: 'Right off the back of it [Blur], there was so much going on. Watch the awkward moment a furious Damon Albarn slams Coachella crowd in sweary rant 'I was doing an opera in Paris and starting on the new Gorillaz record. 'It's been crazy, it really has. But the world's gone crazy so it doesn't seem in any way strange.' One thing for certain about this restless soul is that he's never been the type to kick back and rest on his laurels. It should come as no surprise that BEFORE Blur's last gigs (in the States), Damon headed to the Mexican jungle with Africa Express to make music with a dizzying array of 70-plus artists from four continents. He's long been the consummate collaborator and the movement he co-founded 20 years ago is the perfect vehicle for him. 'I've got a huge musical family between Africa Express and Gorillaz,' he says. 'I guess there are producers who have worked with as many people but for physically being on stage with people, I'd be up there.' The latest Africa Express album, Bahidora, named after the festival they attended, is a thrilling, intoxicating mash-up of styles. I think we can officially say that Oasis won the battle, the war, the campaign, everything It is described by Malian singer and contributor Fatoumata Diawara as 'African rhythms, electronic textures, Latin soul, rock, hip hop — everything'. Damon puts it like this: 'What we always are is a mad, chaotic exchange of ideas, sounds and motifs.' In other words, exactly the type of diverse, egalitarian sonic playground he loves. 'I killed Damon the pop star many years ago,' he insists. 'It was a gentle death. I'm just not that interested in being the centre of attention. 'Don't get me wrong, I embrace it when it's necessary but it's only a bit of me. 'And Africa Express is always an amazing opportunity just to become one of many.' To prove his point, take a look at the joyful group photo taken in Mexico in which you can just spot Damon among a sea of smiling faces. His observations inevitably bring us back to the subject of Oasis, very much 'the centre of attention' since reforming in a blaze of publicity. I remember Damon predicting that the Gallagher brothers would reunite and telling me: 'The funny thing is that our two nights at Wembley will be dwarfed by their seven.' Turns out they're only doing five but he is magnanimous, effusive even, about his old, so-called rivals 'Well, it was obvious, wasn't it? he says. 'I think we can officially say that Oasis won the battle, the war, the campaign, everything. 'They are the winners. They take first place. In the face of such overwhelming evidence, I am happy to accept and concede defeat. 'It's their summer and God bless them. I hope everyone has a wonderful time but I'm going to be in a very, very different place.' I point out that Oasis, unlike Blur, haven't released an album to go with their tour — but that Pulp have. 'God bless them as well,' laughs Damon about Jarvis Cocker and Co. 'God bless everybody!' This prompts him to reflect on the Nineties in the context of our uncertain world of 2025. He says: 'I'm not being funny but it does feel like a more innocent, joyous age than now.' That said, he adds: 'Nostalgia's OK but I try and stay away from it as much as possible. Sometimes you can't help but be lost in it.' He admits that he felt very emotional at the Blur shows and that Oasis might find it tougher than they think. 'I couldn't do as many gigs as they're doing,' he says. 'That's a lot of the same emotion. I believe in everybody having the right to give their opinions — sit down with each other, look each other in the eye and talk 'They're very brave and I hope it's worth it. You know, money isn't everything.' We move on — and I can't help thinking that money certainly isn't everything when it comes to Africa Express. It is a passion project rooted in Damon's discovery of Mali as a source of sublime music and his burning desire to interact with it. 6 Damon on stage with Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara and bassist Seye Adelekan Credit: © Camila Jurado Aguilar 6 Damon with Los Pream Credit: © Camila Jurado Aguilar 'It totally began there,' he says of the landlocked country in West Africa with northern borders stretching deep into the Sahara. 'I was touched so profoundly by the culture of Mali. It was akin to a true revelation. 'I felt it was really important to tell as many people as possible that we need to learn about other cultures and embrace them.' Damon expresses his sadness at 'where we are now' with people using 'their differences as an excuse to become enthralled by populism'. He says our world is becoming increasingly polarised, and adds: 'I refuse to be on either side. However strongly I feel sometimes, I just can't go there. 'I've always gravitated to Latin America' 'I believe in everybody having the right to give their opinions — sit down with each other, look each other in the eye and talk. 'Africa Express is one of those forums where all this can be discussed. That's the nature of it.' If the movement began as a collaboration between African and Western musicians, today its scope knows no borders, hence its work with Syrian refugees and now this Mexican adventure. The latest enterprise came about when Africa Express was invited to the Bahidora Festival in February 2024, set in a beautiful nature park — a two-hour drive south of Mexico City. As well as appearing on stage, the collective took the opportunity to spend inspiring days with local musicians and record an album which bursts with energy and ideas. Of the experience, Damon says: 'Firstly, I love Mexico. I've always gravitated to Latin America. 'Their enjoyment of music is unparalleled. They're so open about it.' He adds: 'So we attended this wonderful festival on the site of an Aztec lake used by the emperors long before the conquistadors 'It was a beautiful experience. You sleep in tents. You wake up in a jungle. You swim in a lake and you play music. What's not to like? 'We had to do a concert so we decided, 'Let's make a record as well'. It's probably the most coherent of all our records.' One of its revelations is Hacernos Asi, a bittersweet song by Mexican artist Luisa Almaguer. As a trans singer, she has encountered intolerance but says being with Africa Express has been 'life-changing'. I'm looking forward to sitting at the piano and just letting the madness unfold in front of me The song features backing from Damon, Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner, Joan As Policewoman, bassist Seye Adelekan and the Mexican Institute Of Sound. Damon says: 'Luisa's a magical spirit who has come into all our lives and I just hope her voice can be heard by as many people as possible. 'It is a voice that has travelled through great adversity and is unique.' The same group of musicians appear on the wistful Soledad (meaning solitude), which finds Damon singing in Spanish. 'Yeah, my daughter would say badly,' he confesses. 'Because she can speak fluent Spanish, she's highly critical but I love singing in Spanish. I think it is becoming more and more the language of music.' Another artist who made the trip to Mexico is effervescent South African Moonchild Sanelly, noted for her incredible 'moon mop' which she makes from teal-coloured wool. 'She was perfect, fitted in like a treat,' reports Damon. 'She's a great improviser and very confident. Everybody loves Moonchild.' And what about the fabulous Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara, who has been working with Africa Express for more than ten years and appears on the tracks Kuduro and Seya? He says: 'Fatou's like my sister, I'm very close to Fatou. I think I met her when she was 18 (she's 43 now). I've just been around for so bloody long! I'm 58 next year — that's just an insane thought.' Letting the madness unfold My chat with Damon is taking place as he prepares to join Africa Express, enhanced by many Mexican musicians including Luisa Almaguer, for a series of festival dates across Europe culminating in tonight's show in Barcelona. 'I'm looking forward to sitting at the piano and just letting the madness unfold in front of me,' he says. Next up after that is the state-of-the-art Gorillaz House Of Kong exhibition which opens on August 8 at the Copper Box in London's Olympic Park. It is described as a 'peek behind the curtain into the unseen world' of the virtual band Damon formed in collaboration with artist Jamie Hewlett. 'It's a big, big thing,' he says. 'We're all contributing and we've been working with SWEAR, who do a lot of stuff at Glastonbury.' The exhibition culminates in four special Gorillaz shows at the venue. The first (Aug 29) focuses on the self-titled debut album, the second (Aug 30) on Demon Days and the third (Sep 2) on Plastic Beach. I've been sworn to secrecy about the 'Mystery Show' on September 3 but I can say it promises to be a generation-hopping thrill. For the first two shows, the musicians will be behind screens, letting the cartoon players provide all the visuals, just like back in the day. 'When we went to Japan, we got in a lot of trouble for that,' recalls Damon. 'Everybody wanted their money back. "The first time I appeared on stage was after Glastonbury with Plastic Beach. I had still been taking a back seat in front of 150,000 people. 'We realised that Gorillaz required a frontman. I had to unretire myself!' Before he goes, Damon discusses the healing power of music in more general terms. He is aware that his creative outlets, Gorillaz and Africa Express, can do an enormous amount of good in bringing people together, not only from different backgrounds but also across generations. 'There's not enough empathy between the generations,' he says. 'They all feel like they're against each other and that's crazy. If you're young, you will be old and if you're old, you were once young. 6 On stage with Blur at the Coachella festival in 2024 Credit: AFP 'Unfortunately, getting on social media and gushing incoherence and anger is not the way. 'Personally, I'd rather sit at the piano and make a song with somebody I disagree with.' Damon leaves me with an astonishing admission but maybe it explains how he navigates our divided world with a song in his heart. 'I don't have a telephone, Simon. And I have no engagement with social media.' 6 The new African Express album 'Bahidora' comes out July 11 Credit: Supplied AFRICA EXPRESS presents Bahidorá
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I killed Damon the pop star years ago… Africa Express is an amazing chance to be one of many', says Blur's Albarn
THE last time I saw Damon Albarn – until now that is – was at Wembley Stadium in July 2023. He and his Blur bandmates, arms around each other, took a final bow before disappearing into the balmy summer night. Advertisement 6 The Blur frontman says he has 'killed' Damon the pop star years ago Credit: Mathieu Zazzo 6 Damon with Africa Express on a recent trip to Mexico Credit: Camila Jurado Two years to the week later, he's talking to me about his latest exploits with Africa Express and But first he provides a moment of reflection on the Blur reunion which has paved the way for this year's all-conquering 'There were certain reasons why 'We did it. I made an album around it. I gave my heart and soul to it. Advertisement READ MORE MUSIC NEWS 'But there was no agenda of world domination. It was something I felt was necessary to do — briefly.' 'Oasis won the battle, the war' After an ensuing radio silence, I've been given the chance to find out what 'I'm back,' he affirms when our video call flickers into life. 'I'm ACTUALLY back. 'I've been incredibly busy making music — it's what I love to do — so I suppose I'm going to have to share some of it soon. Advertisement Most read in Music Breaking 'Inevitably there will always be a dustbin bag full of stuff that needs dropping off at the recycling!' Damon's looking relaxed and happy as he continues: 'Right off the back of it [Blur], there was so much going on. Watch the awkward moment a furious Damon Albarn slams Coachella crowd in sweary rant 'I was doing an opera in Paris and starting on the new Gorillaz record. 'It's been crazy, it really has. But the world's gone crazy so it doesn't seem in any way strange.' Advertisement One thing for certain about this restless soul is that he's never been the type to kick back and rest on his laurels. It should come as no surprise that BEFORE Blur's last gigs (in the States), Damon headed to the Mexican jungle with Africa Express to make music with a dizzying array of 70-plus artists from four continents. He's long been the consummate collaborator and the movement he co-founded 20 years ago is the perfect vehicle for him. 'I've got a huge musical family between Africa Express and Gorillaz,' he says. Advertisement 'I guess there are producers who have worked with as many people but for physically being on stage with people, I'd be up there.' The latest Africa Express album, Bahidora, named after the festival they attended, is a thrilling, intoxicating mash-up of styles. I think we can officially say that Oasis won the battle, the war, the campaign, everything It is described by Malian singer and contributor Fatoumata Diawara as 'African rhythms, electronic textures, Latin soul, rock, hip hop — everything'. Damon puts it like this: 'What we always are is a mad, chaotic exchange of ideas, sounds and motifs.' Advertisement In other words, exactly the type of diverse, egalitarian sonic playground he loves. 'I killed Damon the pop star many years ago,' he insists. 'It was a gentle death. I'm just not that interested in being the centre of attention. 'Don't get me wrong, I embrace it when it's necessary but it's only a bit of me. 'And Africa Express is always an amazing opportunity just to become one of many.' Advertisement To prove his point, take a look at the joyful group photo taken in Mexico in which you can just spot Damon among a sea of smiling faces. His observations inevitably bring us back to the subject of Oasis, very much 'the centre of attention' since reforming in a blaze of publicity. I remember Damon predicting that the Gallagher brothers would reunite and telling me: 'The funny thing is that our two nights at Wembley will be dwarfed by their seven.' Turns out they're only doing five but he is magnanimous, effusive even, about his old, so-called rivals Advertisement 'Well, it was obvious, wasn't it? he says. 'I think we can officially say that Oasis won the battle, the war, the campaign, everything. 'They are the winners. They take first place. In the face of such overwhelming evidence, I am happy to accept and concede defeat. 'It's their summer and God bless them. I hope everyone has a wonderful time but I'm going to be in a very, very different place.' I point out that Oasis, unlike Blur, haven't released an album to go with their tour — but that Pulp have. Advertisement 'God bless them as well,' laughs Damon about This prompts him to reflect on the Nineties in the context of our uncertain world of 2025. He says: 'I'm not being funny but it does feel like a more innocent, joyous age than now.' That said, he adds: 'Nostalgia's OK but I try and stay away from it as much as possible. Sometimes you can't help but be lost in it.' Advertisement He admits that he felt very emotional at the Blur shows and that Oasis might find it tougher than they think. 'I couldn't do as many gigs as they're doing,' he says. 'That's a lot of the same emotion. I believe in everybody having the right to give their opinions — sit down with each other, look each other in the eye and talk 'They're very brave and I hope it's worth it. You know, money isn't everything.' We move on — and I can't help thinking that money certainly isn't everything when it comes to Africa Express. Advertisement It is a passion project rooted in Damon's discovery of Mali as a source of sublime music and his burning desire to interact with it. 6 Damon on stage with Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara and bassist Seye Adelekan Credit: © Camila Jurado Aguilar 6 Damon with Los Pream Credit: © Camila Jurado Aguilar 'It totally began there,' he says of the landlocked country in West Africa with northern borders stretching deep into the Sahara. Advertisement 'I was touched so profoundly by the culture of Mali. It was akin to a true revelation. 'I felt it was really important to tell as many people as possible that we need to learn about other cultures and embrace them.' Damon expresses his sadness at 'where we are now' with people using 'their differences as an excuse to become enthralled by populism'. He says our world is becoming increasingly polarised, and adds: 'I refuse to be on either side. However strongly I feel sometimes, I just can't go there. Advertisement 'I've always gravitated to Latin America' 'I believe in everybody having the right to give their opinions — sit down with each other, look each other in the eye and talk. 'Africa Express is one of those forums where all this can be discussed. That's the nature of it.' If the movement began as a collaboration between African and Western musicians, today its scope knows no borders, hence its work with Syrian refugees and now this Mexican adventure. The latest enterprise came about when Africa Express was invited to the Bahidora Festival in February 2024, set in a beautiful nature park — a two-hour drive south of Mexico City. Advertisement As well as appearing on stage, the collective took the opportunity to spend inspiring days with local musicians and record an album which bursts with energy and ideas. Of the experience, Damon says: 'Firstly, I love Mexico . I've always gravitated to Latin America. 'Their enjoyment of music is unparalleled. They're so open about it.' He adds: 'So we attended this wonderful festival on the site of an Aztec lake used by the emperors long before the conquistadors Advertisement 'It was a beautiful experience. You sleep in tents. You wake up in a jungle. You swim in a lake and you play music. What's not to like? 'We had to do a concert so we decided, 'Let's make a record as well'. It's probably the most coherent of all our records.' One of its revelations is Hacernos Asi, a bittersweet song by Mexican artist Luisa Almaguer. As a trans singer, she has encountered intolerance but says being with Africa Express has been 'life-changing'. Advertisement I'm looking forward to sitting at the piano and just letting the madness unfold in front of me The song features backing from Damon, Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner, Joan As Policewoman, bassist Seye Adelekan and the Mexican Institute Of Sound. Damon says: 'Luisa's a magical spirit who has come into all our lives and I just hope her voice can be heard by as many people as possible. 'It is a voice that has travelled through great adversity and is unique.' The same group of musicians appear on the wistful Soledad (meaning solitude), which finds Damon singing in Spanish. Advertisement 'Yeah, my daughter would say badly,' he confesses. 'Because she can speak fluent Spanish, she's highly critical but I love singing in Spanish. I think it is becoming more and more the language of music.' Another artist who made the trip to Mexico is effervescent South African Moonchild Sanelly, noted for her incredible 'moon mop' which she makes from teal-coloured wool. 'She was perfect, fitted in like a treat,' reports Damon. 'She's a great improviser and very confident. Everybody loves Moonchild.' And what about the fabulous Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara, who has been working with Africa Express for more than ten years and appears on the tracks Kuduro and Seya? Advertisement He says: 'Fatou's like my sister, I'm very close to Fatou. I think I met her when she was 18 (she's 43 now). I've just been around for so bloody long! I'm 58 next year — that's just an insane thought.' Letting the madness unfold My chat with Damon is taking place as he prepares to join Africa Express, enhanced by many Mexican musicians including Luisa Almaguer, for a series of festival dates across Europe culminating in tonight's show in Barcelona . 'I'm looking forward to sitting at the piano and just letting the madness unfold in front of me,' he says. Next up after that is the state-of-the-art Gorillaz House Of Kong exhibition which opens on August 8 at the Copper Box in London's Olympic Park. Advertisement It is described as a 'peek behind the curtain into the unseen world' of the virtual band Damon formed in collaboration with artist Jamie Hewlett. 'It's a big, big thing,' he says. 'We're all contributing and we've been working with SWEAR, who do a lot of stuff at Glastonbury.' The exhibition culminates in four special Gorillaz shows at the venue. The first (Aug 29) focuses on the self-titled debut album, the second (Aug 30) on Demon Days and the third (Sep 2) on Plastic Beach. I've been sworn to secrecy about the 'Mystery Show' on September 3 but I can say it promises to be a generation-hopping thrill. Advertisement For the first two shows, the musicians will be behind screens, letting the cartoon players provide all the visuals, just like back in the day. 'When we went to Japan, we got in a lot of trouble for that,' recalls Damon. 'Everybody wanted their money back. "The first time I appeared on stage was after Glastonbury with Plastic Beach. I had still been taking a back seat in front of 150,000 people. 'We realised that Gorillaz required a frontman. I had to unretire myself!' Advertisement Before he goes, Damon discusses the healing power of music in more general terms. He is aware that his creative outlets, Gorillaz and Africa Express, can do an enormous amount of good in bringing people together, not only from different backgrounds but also across generations. 'There's not enough empathy between the generations,' he says. 'They all feel like they're against each other and that's crazy. If you're young, you will be old and if you're old, you were once young. Advertisement 6 On stage with Blur at the Coachella festival in 2024 Credit: AFP 'Unfortunately, getting on social media and gushing incoherence and anger is not the way. 'Personally, I'd rather sit at the piano and make a song with somebody I disagree with.' Damon leaves me with an astonishing admission but maybe it explains how he navigates our divided world with a song in his heart. Advertisement 'I don't have a telephone, Simon. And I have no engagement with social media.' 6 The new African Express album 'Bahidora' comes out July 11 Credit: Supplied AFRICA EXPRESS presents Bahidorá ★★★★★
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I killed Damon the pop star years ago… Africa Express is an amazing chance to be one of many', says Blur's Albarn
THE last time I saw Damon Albarn – until now that is – was at Wembley Stadium in July 2023. He and his Blur bandmates, arms around each other, took a final bow before disappearing into the balmy summer night. 6 6 Two years to the week later, he's talking to me about his latest exploits with Africa Express and Gorillaz. But first he provides a moment of reflection on the Blur reunion which has paved the way for this year's all-conquering return of Britpop in the shape of Oasis and Pulp. 'There were certain reasons why the decision was made to play Wembley. . . blah, blah, blah,' he says without going into detail. 'We did it. I made an album around it. I gave my heart and soul to it. 'But there was no agenda of world domination. It was something I felt was necessary to do — briefly.' 'Oasis won the battle, the war' After an ensuing radio silence, I've been given the chance to find out what Damon 's been up to since. 'I'm back,' he affirms when our video call flickers into life. 'I'm ACTUALLY back. 'I've been incredibly busy making music — it's what I love to do — so I suppose I'm going to have to share some of it soon. 'Inevitably there will always be a dustbin bag full of stuff that needs dropping off at the recycling!' Damon's looking relaxed and happy as he continues: 'Right off the back of it [Blur], there was so much going on. Watch the awkward moment a furious Damon Albarn slams Coachella crowd in sweary rant 'I was doing an opera in Paris and starting on the new Gorillaz record. 'It's been crazy, it really has. But the world's gone crazy so it doesn't seem in any way strange.' One thing for certain about this restless soul is that he's never been the type to kick back and rest on his laurels. It should come as no surprise that BEFORE Blur's last gigs (in the States), Damon headed to the Mexican jungle with Africa Express to make music with a dizzying array of 70-plus artists from four continents. He's long been the consummate collaborator and the movement he co-founded 20 years ago is the perfect vehicle for him. 'I've got a huge musical family between Africa Express and Gorillaz,' he says. 'I guess there are producers who have worked with as many people but for physically being on stage with people, I'd be up there.' The latest Africa Express album, Bahidora, named after the festival they attended, is a thrilling, intoxicating mash-up of styles. I think we can officially say that Oasis won the battle, the war, the campaign, everything It is described by Malian singer and contributor Fatoumata Diawara as 'African rhythms, electronic textures, Latin soul, rock, hip hop — everything'. Damon puts it like this: 'What we always are is a mad, chaotic exchange of ideas, sounds and motifs.' In other words, exactly the type of diverse, egalitarian sonic playground he loves. 'I killed Damon the pop star many years ago,' he insists. 'It was a gentle death. I'm just not that interested in being the centre of attention. 'Don't get me wrong, I embrace it when it's necessary but it's only a bit of me. 'And Africa Express is always an amazing opportunity just to become one of many.' To prove his point, take a look at the joyful group photo taken in Mexico in which you can just spot Damon among a sea of smiling faces. His observations inevitably bring us back to the subject of Oasis, very much 'the centre of attention' since reforming in a blaze of publicity. I remember Damon predicting that the Gallagher brothers would reunite and telling me: 'The funny thing is that our two nights at Wembley will be dwarfed by their seven.' Turns out they're only doing five but he is magnanimous, effusive even, about his old, so-called rivals 'Well, it was obvious, wasn't it? he says. 'I think we can officially say that Oasis won the battle, the war, the campaign, everything. 'They are the winners. They take first place. In the face of such overwhelming evidence, I am happy to accept and concede defeat. 'It's their summer and God bless them. I hope everyone has a wonderful time but I'm going to be in a very, very different place.' I point out that Oasis, unlike Blur, haven't released an album to go with their tour — but that Pulp have. 'God bless them as well,' laughs Damon about Jarvis Cocker and Co. 'God bless everybody!' This prompts him to reflect on the Nineties in the context of our uncertain world of 2025. He says: 'I'm not being funny but it does feel like a more innocent, joyous age than now.' That said, he adds: 'Nostalgia's OK but I try and stay away from it as much as possible. Sometimes you can't help but be lost in it.' He admits that he felt very emotional at the Blur shows and that Oasis might find it tougher than they think. 'I couldn't do as many gigs as they're doing,' he says. 'That's a lot of the same emotion. I believe in everybody having the right to give their opinions — sit down with each other, look each other in the eye and talk 'They're very brave and I hope it's worth it. You know, money isn't everything.' We move on — and I can't help thinking that money certainly isn't everything when it comes to Africa Express. It is a passion project rooted in Damon's discovery of Mali as a source of sublime music and his burning desire to interact with it. 6 6 'It totally began there,' he says of the landlocked country in West Africa with northern borders stretching deep into the Sahara. 'I was touched so profoundly by the culture of Mali. It was akin to a true revelation. 'I felt it was really important to tell as many people as possible that we need to learn about other cultures and embrace them.' Damon expresses his sadness at 'where we are now' with people using 'their differences as an excuse to become enthralled by populism'. He says our world is becoming increasingly polarised, and adds: 'I refuse to be on either side. However strongly I feel sometimes, I just can't go there. 'I've always gravitated to Latin America' 'I believe in everybody having the right to give their opinions — sit down with each other, look each other in the eye and talk. 'Africa Express is one of those forums where all this can be discussed. That's the nature of it.' If the movement began as a collaboration between African and Western musicians, today its scope knows no borders, hence its work with Syrian refugees and now this Mexican adventure. The latest enterprise came about when Africa Express was invited to the Bahidora Festival in February 2024, set in a beautiful nature park — a two-hour drive south of Mexico City. As well as appearing on stage, the collective took the opportunity to spend inspiring days with local musicians and record an album which bursts with energy and ideas. Of the experience, Damon says: 'Firstly, I love Mexico. I've always gravitated to Latin America. 'Their enjoyment of music is unparalleled. They're so open about it.' He adds: 'So we attended this wonderful festival on the site of an Aztec lake used by the emperors long before the conquistadors 'It was a beautiful experience. You sleep in tents. You wake up in a jungle. You swim in a lake and you play music. What's not to like? 'We had to do a concert so we decided, 'Let's make a record as well'. It's probably the most coherent of all our records.' One of its revelations is Hacernos Asi, a bittersweet song by Mexican artist Luisa Almaguer. As a trans singer, she has encountered intolerance but says being with Africa Express has been 'life-changing'. I'm looking forward to sitting at the piano and just letting the madness unfold in front of me The song features backing from Damon, Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner, Joan As Policewoman, bassist Seye Adelekan and the Mexican Institute Of Sound. Damon says: 'Luisa's a magical spirit who has come into all our lives and I just hope her voice can be heard by as many people as possible. 'It is a voice that has travelled through great adversity and is unique.' The same group of musicians appear on the wistful Soledad (meaning solitude), which finds Damon singing in Spanish. 'Yeah, my daughter would say badly,' he confesses. 'Because she can speak fluent Spanish, she's highly critical but I love singing in Spanish. I think it is becoming more and more the language of music.' Another artist who made the trip to Mexico is effervescent South African Moonchild Sanelly, noted for her incredible 'moon mop' which she makes from teal-coloured wool. 'She was perfect, fitted in like a treat,' reports Damon. 'She's a great improviser and very confident. Everybody loves Moonchild.' And what about the fabulous Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara, who has been working with Africa Express for more than ten years and appears on the tracks Kuduro and Seya? He says: 'Fatou's like my sister, I'm very close to Fatou. I think I met her when she was 18 (she's 43 now). I've just been around for so bloody long! I'm 58 next year — that's just an insane thought.' Letting the madness unfold My chat with Damon is taking place as he prepares to join Africa Express, enhanced by many Mexican musicians including Luisa Almaguer, for a series of festival dates across Europe culminating in tonight's show in Barcelona. 'I'm looking forward to sitting at the piano and just letting the madness unfold in front of me,' he says. Next up after that is the state-of-the-art Gorillaz House Of Kong exhibition which opens on August 8 at the Copper Box in London's Olympic Park. It is described as a 'peek behind the curtain into the unseen world' of the virtual band Damon formed in collaboration with artist Jamie Hewlett. 'It's a big, big thing,' he says. 'We're all contributing and we've been working with SWEAR, who do a lot of stuff at Glastonbury.' The exhibition culminates in four special Gorillaz shows at the venue. The first (Aug 29) focuses on the self-titled debut album, the second (Aug 30) on Demon Days and the third (Sep 2) on Plastic Beach. I've been sworn to secrecy about the 'Mystery Show' on September 3 but I can say it promises to be a generation-hopping thrill. For the first two shows, the musicians will be behind screens, letting the cartoon players provide all the visuals, just like back in the day. 'When we went to Japan, we got in a lot of trouble for that,' recalls Damon. 'Everybody wanted their money back. "The first time I appeared on stage was after Glastonbury with Plastic Beach. I had still been taking a back seat in front of 150,000 people. 'We realised that Gorillaz required a frontman. I had to unretire myself!' Before he goes, Damon discusses the healing power of music in more general terms. He is aware that his creative outlets, Gorillaz and Africa Express, can do an enormous amount of good in bringing people together, not only from different backgrounds but also across generations. 'There's not enough empathy between the generations,' he says. 'They all feel like they're against each other and that's crazy. If you're young, you will be old and if you're old, you were once young. 6 'Unfortunately, getting on social media and gushing incoherence and anger is not the way. 'Personally, I'd rather sit at the piano and make a song with somebody I disagree with.' Damon leaves me with an astonishing admission but maybe it explains how he navigates our divided world with a song in his heart. 'I don't have a telephone, Simon. And I have no engagement with social media.' 6 ★★★★★
