Oxjam in Norwich

Diigo

One of hip-hop's biggest names is due to close Oxjam's run of events in Norwich.

In a coup for organisers, De La Soul have signed up for a gig at the University of East Anglia, which is just one of a handful of European dates they're playing.

The concert has been booked as the highlight in the city's programme of Oxjam events, put together by leading UK charity Oxfam.

It's the first year that Oxfam has run a nationwide series of gigs under the Oxjam banner - with seven dates set up in Norwich alone.

"Loads of music events happened for Oxfam anyway but they wanted to bring them all together in one month - as an addition to the festival calendar," said Norwich organiser Natalie Bailey.

"It's really exciting to have such a big name as De La Soul. They are the fathers of hip-hop," she added.

Aside from De La Soul, star acts including the Kaiser Chiefs, Goldfrapp and Lily Allen have confirmed gigs for the Oxjam campaign across the country.

Local names

Up-and-coming Norwich band Cord, who have just released their debut album on Island Records, will be launching Oxjam in the city on Saturday, 7 October.

They will play a special acoustic set outside The Forum on a stage hosted by Oxjam's nationwide partner Pulse Rated, an internet and satellite radio station based in the city. 

Local acts I Am Error, Sarah Sixsmith and Peter Appleyard will also play as part of the opening celebrations which will run from 10.15am until 1pm.

Cord's set will be a taster for their Waterfront gig on Monday, 9 October, where they will be joined by their friends The Pistolas, Lot 55 and Lick The Dice.

"Cord's name has enabled us to get a gig at the Waterfront," said Natalie. "I'm really pleased they're coming back to Norwich to play for us."

In a bid to appeal to a range of tastes, top Brighton dance act Sh*tmat, local singer-songwriters, acoustic musicians, punk bands and rock groups will perform in the city over the next month.

"Norwich has a really good music scene and I wanted to showcase the best of local talent," said Natalie.

Diigo