lifelab x StadtGesichter Volume 4 - Jeck Edition - 12.02.2021
By Yanna Solace Adofina
Kölle Alaaf! Fasteleer is here! We bring to you another lifelab x StadtGesichter collaboration for the biggest event of the Cologne social calendar ---- the Karneval! To the unversed, the Cologne Carnival (also known as the Fifth Season) holds a special place in the hearts of many Cologne locals. It's the time of the year when the locals come down to the streets for a weeklong celebration of life, love, laughter and the city. Traditionally declared open at 11:11 every 11th of November, the streets of Cologne are full of parades, balls, and stage shows --- so much that it is considered as one of the biggest street festivals in Europe. As lifelab is located in the heart of the city, this is an integral cultural experience we dare not miss out on.
Taking into account that the city of Cologne is still under heightened restrictions due to the pandemic, we made it of the highest importance that everyone participating has tested negative prior to the event itself. This is to ensure everyone's health and safety during the festivities.
So take out your Kölsch and Kamelle, and party the night away with the fourth volume of our event series, the JECK EDITION!
Here are some quicks link from the night’s event:
Cologne Carnival would not be the same without imaginative costumes. Our head presenter Soleil Ndongala is ready to party the night away with his nun ensemble, remeniscient of the '90s movie Sister Act.
First up on our roster are the fun-loving clown musicians, Duo Firlefanz. Composed of the talented, passionate Udo Titze and Benjamin Simmat of the Circus Gioco Ensemble, they are mainstays of the Cologne Carnival stage. They put on a fantastic interactive musical, replete with improvisational slapstick comedy and verbal acrobatics. Together, they have over 50 years of stage experience under their belts.
To know more about Duo Firlefanze, check out the following links:
Next to take the stage is Kölsche Jung personified, Timo Schwarzendahl. Practically born into the Carnival culture, he has spent his childhood dancing in the Fasteloven, and was eventually granted to sing on stage by his revered idol and Cologne Carnival legend, Tommy Engel.The baby faced solo artist has garnered a huge fanbase with his high energy performances, covering popular Carnival songs supplemented with his original songs.
To know more about Timo Schwarzendahl, check out the following links:
Up next are the Kölsche dynamic duo, Woosch un Wööschje Together they performed at different stages and arenas all over Germany, and have made thousands laugh over their brand of comedy. Karneval celebrations would be incomplete without these two.
To know more about Woosch un Wööschje , check out the following links:
Our last performer is the lovely, effervescent Marie Enganemben. Born in Cameroon, she made Cologne her second home. Known for her extraordinarily powerful voice, she has worked with the likes of local Kölsch greats like the Bläck Fööss, the Paviere, the Höhnern and Stefan Knittler, and international stars like Marla Glen, Vanessa Amorosi, Al Jarreau, and Joy Fleming. She leads "Na Moulèma", a multicultural gospel choir that integrates different genres and cultural influences in each performance.
To know more about Marie Enganemben, check out the following links:
Soleil ended the night by extending gratitude to all the viewers, and acknowledging the sponsors for their donations. The ongoing pandemic may have brought everyone indoors, but it will never quench the Karneval spirit!
Join us once again on another safari on 24. April 2021, as we continue to showcase local Cologne talents in partnership with StadtGesichter; be there or be square!
The images from this blog article were taken by Photographer Marc Fahrig.
Gallery
Here some up close shots of the laughter and smiles of our performers
Video
Laugh your heart out and watch the full video