June 20, 2007 20:37

First secret Glastonbury collaboration revealed

Star names set for Africa Express on The Park Stage

This year's Glastonbury is set for a series of unique collaborations between African artists and the Western bands playing the festival, NME.COM can reveal.

Africa Express which takes place on the new The Park Stage from 7pm on Saturday night (June 23) and will see a host of one off performances.

The likes of Hard-Fi, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly and Martha Wainwright are among the artists who will team-up with African based musicians on the night.

More names, possibly including some of the festival's big hitters, will be revealed on the night while Fatboy Slim will spin his first ever "African" DJ set and legendary drummer Tony Allen is also set to take part.

“I was keen this year to make a mark with African music, hence the special eight hour set Africa Express from African bands collaborating with Western artists on The Park Stage,” said organiser Emily Eavis of the booking. “It looks set to be one of the highlights of this year’s festival, with some extraordinary surprises. We’re really pushing the boundaries and we’re trying to get as many people on stage as possible.”

Africa Express was founded by a group of musicians after 2005's Live8 in reaction to the perceived lack of African artists on global the bill.

Although there have been small events before, the Glastonbury slot will be the project's first major outing.

NME.COM will be bringing you news blogs, videos and pictures straight from the Glastonbury site.

Head to NME.COM/festivals/glastonbury now for more info.