COSMO Wildcard

In the organizer's words:

It's getting wild! COSMO Wild Card presents the avant-garde of global pop. A concert evening with message and vibes in cooperation with the Philharmonie Essen This time with RAH & The Ruffcats, Melane and INTI!

RAH & The Ruffcats

RAH stands for Rapturous Apollo Helios. The Nigerian MC moved to Berlin in the early 00s. And quickly made a name for himself there. For over 10 years, he has hosted the weekly Swag Jam in Berlin, where stars such as Erykah Badu, Bilal and Kool Savas have been guests. RAH is a convincing rapper and singer, hypeman and show host. Together with the Ruffcats - for many (including us) the best band in Germany - he released the album "Orile to Berlin" last year. It sounds like West Africa, like the classic sound of legends such as Pat Thomas, Ebo Taylor and Fela Kuti. A sound that nobody can keep their feet still to. The fact that the album is stylistically based on the musical icons of his homeland is down to the Ruffcats, says RAH. However, they give it their very own twist: " These aren't some European guys trying to sound LIKE", he told us in the interview. "It's something they really love and enjoy playing. And therein lies the superpower of music: you can be inspired by a sound from the other side of the world and make it your own."

Links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDb8hDRR3CU

Melane

"I'm not just black, a woman and a singer. I'm everything in one," says Melane in the COSMO interview. Melane Nkounkoulos' musical career is multifaceted. The German-born artist with roots in the Congo has proven herself in various genres: gospel, rock, Afropop. Her debut album "Mirrors & Windows" will be released this spring. Strongly influenced by West African rhythms, Congolese rumba, but also by classical soul and jazz. In addition to her musical activities, Melane is also an activist. She expresses herself in a sympathetic and entertaining way on social issues, racism and identity, and what it is like to be black in Germany. At COSMO Wild Card, Melane will perform her new songs together with the Ruffcats. World premiere...a charismatic performer with a band that plays in the absolute top league musically. A match made in heaven!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23dlZIt8mJY

INTI

INTI is a German-Peruvian multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer. Despite his young age, he can look back on a long stage tradition. He grew up in Cologne in a family of musicians. He founded his first band "Memoria" at the age of 12. INTI has also performed live with internationally renowned reggae artists such as Alborosie on major festival stages. His solo debut album was released in 2023. INTI is coming to COSMO Wild Card with a seven-piece band. An energetic show between dancehall, reggaeton, reggae and dub.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO_Ra3gunnk

+ COSMO resident DJ A-Lo

Anne Lorenz aka DJ A-Lo is part of the COSMO music team and a passionate digger. She celebrates her broad passion for music with various Cologne crews. In her sets, A-Lo does not stop at latitudes, genres or beats per minute.