Balimaya Project
Balimaya translates as ‘brotherhood’ in the Maninka language of West Africa. Underpinned by a shared sense of kinship and culture, the Balimaya Project imbues the folklore and history of Mandé culture, along with the energy of London, into the fabric of its music.
Founded by percussionist and virtuoso djembe player Yahael Camara Onono, the superband creates a soul-stirring style that is grounded in a very personal exploration of heritage and identity. Their debut album, Wolo So, celebrated the sheer vigour of the band, centring its collective polyrhythms and blazing frontline horns. Their acclaimed second album, When The Dust Settles, brought bandleader Camara Onono’s lived experience of grief and fatherhood to the fore.
Traditional West African instruments make up their collective, transformative sound, including the balafon (with similarities to the xylophone) and the kora (a long-necked harp lute). In the words of the Arts Desk, this is ‘music that takes the body by storm and fills it with energy and healing power’.
Through mentorship and performance opportunities, we are creating a supportive environment for emerging talent to become the next generation of arts leaders – both on and off the stage. This year, you can see rising stars from our international callout performing in concerts at The Queen’s Hall.
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TICKET PRICES AND CONCESSIONS
A limited number of £10 Affordable Tickets are available for every concert, which are available from 21 March. First, log into your online account or create a new account if you don’t have one. £10 Affordable Tickets are available in the Stalls in Price C, Side Gallery in Price H and Centre Gallery in Price O. Select your seat(s) in this area and add the tickets to your basket. Enter promo code INVITED at checkout, and your ticket(s) will be discounted to £10.
The £10 Affordable Ticket is subject to availability and limited to two per customer per event. No proof of eligibility is required. £10 Affordable Tickets work on a trust basis and we hope that these will only be chosen by people who need them.
D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people and under 18s are entitled to a 50% concession discount.
Free Essential Companion tickets are available for those who need them. Select Essential Companion ticket from the drop-down menu, and the price will automatically update to a free ticket in your basket. You must purchase two tickets for the Essential Companion offer to apply.
Arts workers and under 30s are entitled to a 30% concession discount, which are available from 21 March. Arts workers and under 30s concessions are not available on top-price tickets (Prices A and M). Proof of eligibility may be requested at venues.
All concessions are subject to availability. Ticket prices may vary from previously published prices.
MULTIBUY OFFERS
We have a variety of multibuy offers where you can save 20% on standard price tickets when you buy tickets for multiple shows. All multibuy offers exclude concessions and top-price tickets. Multibuy offers will only apply when tickets are purchased in the same transaction.
GROUP BOOKINGS
Groups of ten or more receive a 10% discount on full-price tickets for selected performances. Group discounts are available from 21 March. For groups of more than 20, phone the box office or email [email protected]
YOUNG CHILDREN POLICY
We adhere to each venue’s individual policy and advise that you contact our box office for further information before booking tickets. We will include age guidance on relevant performances.
TICKET EXCHANGES & REFUNDS
No refunds will be given except in the event of cancellation of a performance. Tickets may be exchanged up to 48 hours before a performance to another performance of the same show, subject to availability. A £1.50 fee per ticket exchanged will be charged.
We have partnered with TicketPlan to offer optional ticket protection. This allows you to recoup 100% of the paid ticket price (including any booking fee) if you are unable to attend your event for any number of covered reasons, including illness, travel delays, adverse weather conditions and more. For more information, visit ticketplangroup.com/eifrefundpromise
Refund Protection is an optional service offered by Edinburgh International Festival and administered by TicketPlan. It is not an insurance policy.