AGALU (NIGERIAN TALKING DRUMMER)  AKEEM AYANNIYI

Agalu is led by Akeem Ayanniyi, who is the ninth generation of his family t play the traditional Yoruba talking drum. Ayanniyi has been performing since the age of five and has toured much of Africa as a performer and teacher as well
as Germany, Brazil, Sweden and the United States.

www.agalu.com

AMADOU KIENOU

Amadou strives to increase the significance of the djembe by revealing its sacred aspects, by introducing the instrument into all his musical compositions.

www.amadoukienou.com

AMARA MANSARE

Amara Mansare is a Djembefola from Guinea West Africa. He is in Arizona for a 6 months artist residency. Amara has been a solist for many legendary national companies such as Les Merveilles de Guinee, Ballet Djoliba and Les Percussions de Guinea.

www.amaramansare.com

AZ DRUM AND DANCE

A 501(c) (3) Non-Profit organization that promotes drumming, dancing and related events in Arizona.

We want to share the joy of West African
drumming and dancing and at the same
time promote those artists who bless us with their gifts by teaching and sharing.

www.azdrumanddance.org

KAWAMBE-OMAWALE DRUM AND
DANCE THEATRE

Kawambe-Omowale is a captivating performing arts company that offers a glimpse of West African culture through performances of drumming, dancing, singing, and storytelling.

www.kawambeomowaleafricandrumanddance.com

MABIBA BAEGNE

Born in Brazzaville in the Congo and was initiated into dance by her grandparents when she was eight years old. She joined the National Ballet of the Congo at age 18 and toured the world with them as a principal dancer for seven years.

www.myspace.com/mabiba

MOTHERLAND SOUL

Motherland Soul combines the heart of reggae with a sultry sound of neo-soul that will capture all audiences who consider themselves lovers of music.

rsvpeks@hotmail.com or 602-810-2040

BALLET FOLKLORICO AFRO-AREYTO

Ballet Folklorico Afro-Areyto will be performing the traditional Puerto Rican “Bomba” dances. This music style was brought to Puerto Rico during the colonial slave trade. It originates in Ghana, West
Africa, although the majority of slaves can be traced back to 31 different areas of West and Central Africa. The genre takes its name from the Ghana ’s word for drums or “bombas”. The dance is rooted in the occasions when slaves from different haciendas (plantations) were allowed to gather and celebrate together.