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November, 2008

Saturday, November 8, 2008
Authentic American Indian Pow-Wow

Place:

Time:

Friday, November 7, 2008

Song & Dance Ensemble of West Africa

Place: Sangamon Auditorium
Time: 8:00 p.m.
http://www.uis.edu/sangamonauditorium/

The Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa

This group of traditional musicians is directed by Bamba Dembele, who is also a big star of the Super Rail Band of Bamako as well as the percussionist in the Super Djata band Karkar; as his striking force, he uses the country's traditional sounds and rhythms.

The Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa's acoustics are powerful. The musicians use well known instruments, the Kora, N'Goni, the Balaphon, Djembe, Doundouns, and flute. This orchestra uses all the musical styles of Mali: peul, malinke, sénoufo, bambara and like many other artists in this country, the Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa has gone overseas to open up new horizons for itself.

In Europe in particular the Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa has become known to lovers of Sahel music. This orchestra has given many concerts in France, the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Antilles, etc. And like all other rivers, the Ensemble has its own tributaries, which endow it with strength and pride.

The famous singer Oumou Sangare, for instance, started her professional career with this orchestra, and so did Toumany Diabate, the prince of Kora.

The Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa has offered astounding performances to its audience: Varied percussion instruments, from the djembé to doundouns and other balaphons, excellent dancers whose muscles seem to be capable of any movement at any speed, and a very elaborate visual ensemble with colorful, inventive costumes.

It is a modern ballet as if from another world, with graceful movements and a virtuosity, which have conveyed irresistible drive and force to the public. Between tradition and modernity, the troupe works along a straight line of West African ballets, djembés, dunums, balaphons, traditional songs and dances; its repertory is rich and varied. The traditional rhythms, songs and dances are always represented in the troupe's various creations, as well as the Mandingo tradition.

Founded in 1985, this group of traditional musicians and dancers is accomplished and respected. It is a high-level orchestra composed of percussionists, musicians and dancers from Mali (West Africa). They give a performance inspired by traditional music with their own identity and personality to create an authentic musical experience.

Fantastic! Never before has such a rich and colorful ensemble visited the UK from the shores of Africa.
- London Times

 

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