Earlier today, we had the honor of delivering an electrifying African drumming and dance performance at Kings Leadership Academy in Bolton as part of their Black History Month celebrations. Our group, made up of four performers: myself, Rome Moshabbir, the incredibly gifted master drummer Iya Sako from Guinea, and the awe-inspiring Louis Pierre Yonsian, a remarkable dancer from Ivory Coast.
We kicked off the performance with powerful rhythms from the dunduns and djembes, instantly energizing the room. The response from the audience was incredible, with the students cheering, clapping, and fully immersed in the vibrant beats. It was fantastic to see how engaged they were, especially when we invited them to join in African dance led by Louis Pierre. Their enthusiasm was contagious as they moved to the rhythms, making for a truly lively celebration.
Louis Pierre also led the students in a traditional song from his home in Ivory Coast, bringing everyone together in harmony. The combination of drumming, singing, and movement created an unforgettable atmosphere of unity and celebration.
One of the most exciting moments of the day came when some brave children stepped into the middle of the circle to perform solo dances. Their confidence and creativity were on full display, and the crowd cheered them on with great energy. It was a beautiful sight to see these young students embracing the African spirit of dance and self-expression so wholeheartedly.
After the high-energy start, we slowed things down a little by introducing the students to a wider range of African instruments. We demonstrated the sounds of the berimbow, the Tama (talking drum), cas-cas (African shakers), pandero, and the Krin (slit drum). It was a chance for the students to appreciate the diversity of instruments used in African music, broadening their understanding of its rich cultural heritage.
Toward the end of the session, we invited some of the children to join in with us on djembes, calabash shakers, and Agogô bells. Their excitement was palpable as they played along, adding their own rhythms to the music. Seeing them connect with the instruments and the rhythms was a wonderful moment, highlighting how music can transcend boundaries and bring people together.
The day was filled with joy, clapping, cheering, and cultural exchange. We hope that our performance left a lasting impression, allowing the students to gain a meaningful connection to African music and culture while celebrating Black History Month.