Sounds of Afrika
January 8, 2008-- "When I think of the Taft Community," dance teacher Elizabeth Barisser said Tuesday, "I can think of no better way to celebrate its "belovedness" than with Sounds of Afrika. Their message is one of unity."
Through drum and dancing, the dynamic group introduced the student body to the principles of Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
Later, they visited dance classes.
"I enjoyed it," said Coral Foxworth. "It was fun and new to try different drums."
"I thought the workshop was so awesome," adds Bailey Fowlkes. "Playing the rhythms was really powerful for me, and I was overcome with a sense that I was participating in important traditions in another culture."
Since 1995, Sounds of Afrika has performed nationally and internationally. Kojo Bey, Abishai Ben Reuben, and Deborah Calhoun founded the troupe as an Afrikan Drum and Dance troupe "to promote Afrikan and Afrikan-American culture in the communities and schools." All of the members have diverse backgrounds in the arts and extensive study of African dance and drumming techniques. Sounds of Afrika has performed and facilitated after school programs in more than 500 schools.
For more information, visit www.soundsofafrika.com.