MARCIN KYDRYŃSKI — SIESTA & AFRICAN TRILOGY — author's meeting and live music concert

7 October 2026 (Wednesday), 18:30, tickets available at the MCC box office and on Biletyna.pl

Marcin Kydryński is one of the most expressive and versatile figures of Polish culture. Radio operator with an iconic voice, wanderer, photographer, music producer and author of bestselling books. Over the years he has co-created the sound of the radio Trójka, the originator of the legendary program “Siesta” — today his original show “Pora Siesta” on Radio Nowy Świat gathers a crowd of faithful listeners.

The journalist has been bringing Poles closer to world culture and music for decades, especially those from the Lusophone, African and Latin circles. He is also an acclaimed photographer whose work has been exhibited in many galleries, and National Geographic honored him for his contributions to the promotion of reporter photography. A man who has been traversing the African continent for more than thirty years, capturing in the lens and putting on paper its beauty, magic and melancholy.

Marcin Kydryński's latest book “Ode” is an intimate and moving story about Ethiopia. It is also the grand finale of his monumental “African Trilogy”. After the bestselling book “Biel” and the extremely inspiring book “Dal”, it is “Ode” that closes the most important African chapter in the author's life, lasting more than three decades. It is a literary and photographic farewell to the continent that has shaped his sensibility.

This is not an ordinary author's meeting or a classic concert. It is a synergy of top-notch literature, world-class photography and live ethnic music. The event guarantees viewers a unique, even mystical cultural experience that will be remembered for a long time.

The event is designed as a coherent, two-part show that will allow the audience to experience Africa with all their senses:

• Part I: Author's meeting and photography show. The evening will be opened by a conversation with Marcin Kydryński, which will be moderated by his long-time friend, Kamil Rubik. It will be a deep, mutually understanding dialogue about Africa, the transition, a unique perspective on life and the experiences gathered during more than thirty years of solitary wanderings. The conversation will be accompanied by a unique, author's slideshow. Viewers will travel to Africa through Kydryński's eyes, viewing footage from his travels — including never-before-seen photographs. After the meeting, the audience will have the opportunity to get an autograph and a personal entry of the author in the books.

• Part II: Concert “At the Crossroads of Cultures”. The second part of the evening is an absolutely unprecedented event. The stage will feature prominent artists from three different corners of Africa: Becky Sangolo (Kenya), Ablaye Badji (Senegal) and Ethan Smith (South Africa).

This project was created especially and exclusively for this unique artistic event. Viewers will witness the birth of a whole new energy. With subtle, acoustic sounds, these three virtuosos will create a mystical bridge between their countries — between tradition and modernity, taking listeners straight to the endless savannas of Africa.

Becky Sangolo is a Kenyan singer, songwriter and composer. Her work combines African rhythms and pop music with elements of soul and with elements of modern music. She has been involved with music since she was very young — she released her first album as a thirteen-year-old in Kenya. After graduating from high school, she attended a renowned music academy in Nairobi, then co-formed the well-known Kenyan duo Band BeCa, which gained popularity in Africa, and in Poland Becky won recognition as a finalist of the 14th edition of The Voice of Poland.

Ablaye Badji — multi-instrumentalist, member of the griot family — Cissoko. He was born and raised in Ziguinchor, Senegal. The foundation of Ablaye's musical education was to be surrounded by the richness of the culture and musical traditions of his ancestors, which allowed him to acquire an in-depth knowledge of traditional instruments such as djembe, kora, sabar and seourouba. Ablaye's personal charm and positive attitude is the perfect recipe to emulate the man she loves to be with.

Ethan Smith — musician from the remote coast of Cape Town, South Africa, saxophonist, composer and multi-instrumentalist (alto, soprano, flute, bass, classical guitar). Permanently associated with the supergroup “The Afronauts”. His work is dominated by jazz, improvised music and widely understood world music. In his compositions you can hear strong influences of traditional sounds from Africa and the Middle and Far East. He also draws on the achievements of artists such as Charles Lloyd, Steve Coleman, Wayne Shorter and Jan Garbarek.

The originator of the combination of all these forces is Kamil Rubik — publicist, speaker, polyglot and popularizer of world music. For years he has been conducting talks with outstanding artists from all continents, author meetings, concerts and cultural events. With her free style of conducting and extensive musical knowledge, she creates a space for conversations that go beyond the music itself, revealing its cultural, historical and social context.

In his activity, he consistently promotes the idea of conscious listening to music as a way of learning about people, history and cultures. Jazz, Afro-Cuban music, flamenco and Latin American musical traditions are particularly close to him. He is the author of projects that popularize these genres, including those dedicated to the music and culture of Cuba and the Caribbean.

In addition to her journalistic work, she co-creates concert and educational projects, engaging in both event organization and stage activities. It shows that music can be not only an art form and a universal language, but also a way of exploring the world — through the sounds, stories and experiences of the people who create it.

Source: Promotional materials of the Organizer (Rubik Events Kamil Rubik)

We want to make your experience at the event as comfortable as possible. If you need a sign language interpreter, a caregiver for a person with special needs, or have any other need, please let us know

We invite you to contact:

Phone: 52 32 55 545 (SPLOT Section)

Email: splot@mck-bydgoszcz.pl

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