African Drum and Dance Ensemble

Contact

Kofinesankofa@gmail.com
Sankofa African Drum and Dance Ensemble: 845.843.9065

African Drum and Dance Ensemble – Sankofa

The word Sankofa means ‘going back to the roots’ in the Twi language from Ghana, West Africa. It symbolizes promoting personal and community awareness of the positive role of the arts in the villages demonstrated through rich cultural values passed on by great ancestors ‘Nananom’. Sankofa drummers and dancers open the program with a brief performance followed by an introduction to drumming and dance in West Africa featuring stories about Kofi (an Asante prince from Ghana) growing up in his parents’ villages, Otumi and Besoro. Kofi talks about the relevance of the drum as a communication tool, for rituals, at festivals and community building. Students are introduced to a variety of drums and learn about their role in ceremonies and ‘Ananse’ stories handed down from his grandmothers. Students will learn about customs, traditions, food and details of how a village works together and how important it is to pass these traditions on to the next generation. Sankofa Ensemble will play four polyrhythms and get the students and teachers involved in at least two of the rhythms to demonstrate team building and working together. A Q & A portion will conclude the presentation.

Organizer: Sankofa African Drum and Dance Ensemble
Age Group: Grades K-12
Cost: $1200/$1500