Groups D.R. Congo Kamulangu: Dance Descriptions Descriptions Eritrea Yimma: A song Devoted to the mothers. It is in the Tigre Language of Eritrea Merhaba Natsinet : is a song devoted to Freedom in the language of Tigrigna of Eritrea Ghana Awere Pa: First translation Aware pa is another social music and dance from Ghana. It is the most recent of all the social music and an offshoot of Kpanlongo, Kolomashie and Highlife dance. It is flirtatious in nature and it s associated with marriage and wedding rites. The youth perform this dance in a form of dating where the young women dance to attract the men and the young men choose one of the young women to be their wives for Aware pa which literally means good marriage. This dance has a characteristic of vigorous movements and displays a theatrical elegance. Choreography by: Nancy Tackie, Abigail Tackie- Larson & Jessica Armah. Fumefume: is a social dance from the Ga Adangbe people of Ghana. It is one of the most popular dances in the Accra Region, made so by master drummer Mustapha Tetteh Addy. Fumefume involves graceful movements and exciting jumps and kicks. The movements come from Ga traditional Religious and ceremonial dances. if you listen carefully, you can hear the lead drummer signal each of the different movements with the sound of the djembe drum. Choreography by: Jay Stoller
The Sound of the Drums - Ghana youth drummers Featuring the West African djembe drum, this newly formed ensemble of drummmers play a selection of rhythms found throughout the West African region. The djembe drums are highly popular in the west because of their wide range of sounds, or tones. this piece demonstrates the cohesiveness of the group playing together, as well as some virtuostic soloing by soon-to-be master drummers. musical arrangement by: Jay Stoller Makola Market This is a dance drama depicting Ghana's legendary outdoor Makola Market. In Accra, it is run by powerful woman traders who sell everything under the sun, literally. Their characteristic wide-brimmed hats protect them from the sun from dawn to dusk. One can find goods ranging from fruits, vegetables, spices, medicines, pots and pans and clothing. In the heat of the day, very important commodities are sachets of cold drinking water referred to as "ice water". Choreography by: Jay Stoller, Jessica Armah ADOWA ( ROYAL DANCE) Adowa / Royal dance is a graceful ceremonial dance of the Akan people of Ghana. It originated from a dance called kete which is commonly found in the Royal courts of the Akan communities. It is performed in the courts of every Chief whose status entitles him to be carried in a palanquin. Traditionally, Adowa dance is preceded by a chorus of voices, two boats-shaped bells and followed by the Atumpan drums. Various parts of the body picks up specific rhythms from the drums for motivation, while the body turns, spins and bows are suggested by the melody in the song. Performers usually dress in the most famous brightly colored Kente (ken-the) cloth.
AGBADZA Agbadza is among the oldest musical types performed by the Southern Ewe people of Ghana. It is derived from an older war dance known as Atrikpui. As a social and recreational music and dance, its performance is opened to everybody in the community, irrespective of class, age, sex and religion. There are several movements in Agbadza performance: It starts with a short introductory piece of slow movements, then followed by the main dance section-very vigorous and energetic moves of the male and female dancers; the final movement is usually in circles that reflects the historic and, philosophical beliefs of the Ewe people that as individuals we are born unique, there is no one on this planet that is exactly the same as anyone else, however it is only in the respect of our differences and the acknowledgment of our oneness that man ever finds true peace in the individual energies that each person brings to the circle. This final part of the dance movement can last several hours depending on the uniqueness of each dancer. Kenya N.A.M.I The Nigerian dance-drama team is featuring a typical dance-drama presentation that captures the life of a Princess, her love and her Royal Father. This dance-drama group is representative of the diverse Nigerian groups, but with a consensus on the typical way a royal father would like to select a "deserving" husband for his daughter in a fast-paced changing world. Of course, love is something that is personal, and only the one in love can make the final, and most often, the best decision. The Princess settled for the more caring man, who also demonstrated a higher level of humility and strength. The Nigerian dance-drama group is using the African talking drum laced with "agogo gong" and "ase" or "sekere" to complement the "iya ilu" and "konga". The beauty of the dance-drama is in the highly robust "wresting match" in an African setting where courage confronts partial decision. Ultimately, strength and resilience triumphs to the delight of all. And celebration wraps up the event.
Okin Ijo Alawo --The Plate Dance The dance is performed to honour dignitaries to the king s palace, and during ceremonies such as weddings, chieftancy, naming etc. Rwanda SAAM Sundiata Cultural Theatre Group Uganda Kwaito: Our performance is a street dance to a South African Kwaito tune. Kwaito has been described as the sound that defines Southern Africa's youth. It's a mix of the various and diverse musical flavors found in Africa. This genre emerged in the 90s and was the vehicle through which hope for a new life in South Africa was expressed. Kwaito music and dance both have their roots in the struggle against apartheid, and both have been a force for social change through their reflection of the energy of Southern Africa. This dance is about freedom, passion, and celebration! Che Che: It s a Cultural Dance for the chief that s looking for a wife to marry. Wipolo: Spiritual song Celebrating Creation From East Uganda Umuna Tarumu: A song/ skit from western Uganda. It is performed by children - singing about how their fathers go away to work in the fields every morning. Ugo Dance: Ugo dance is a dance performed by girls throughout Igboland in Nigeria during festive seasons, especially during the celebration of harvest. Nwadi nnamba dance is a combination of dance steps that signifies grace and energy by young Igbo dancer. Ogene Dance: Egwu Oma: (Kids igbo dance) Dance performed by younger kids both boys and girls. They celebrate their mother, indicating the important role mothers play in the life of the young. It is a happy song to celebrate their mother. Erico Dance:
Zimbabwe Motherland: The Song is about celebrating the continent that we love and our roots 4 D s Why are you Gone Africa - Roots of Rhythm, Blue & Jazz Coffie Evans Lehamba Mawe: This song is just about enjoying the music as an African youth, feeling the music and expressing it in your actions. PRE-SHOW The African origin of civilization is multi-dimensional ranging from socio-economic organization to art, dance, and music. In terms of music, the African origins of dance music and coal melodies are evident in Africa s impact on African American soul and jazz, blues, R&B, Cuban rumba, Caribbean meringue, calypso, reggae and zouk. African techniques of interweaving rhythm and melodies, call-and-response patterns and vocalising with instruments are the hallmark of African rhythm and dance music. Using a fusion of modern and traditional instruments, this live performance by Eddie Mupondwa (Saskatoon), Vincent Lusnaji (Winnipeg), and Edwin Lusanji (Winnipeg) gives you a nostalgic glimpse into the wonderful world of African Rhythm, Jazz & Blues. Solo Africa Dance Moves Talking Drums By Jay, Coffie & Casimiro