"On behalf of my students and myself, thank you so much for bringing such a wonderful cultural event to Sumter! The kids absolutely loved it! MILLE MERCI!!!"
-Cristy Vogel
“Drums drive the sound and create an atmosphere of anticipation and exhilaration.”
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The Gazette
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Workshops and Residencies
Dynamic, exhilarating, awakening. These are some of the words used to describe the music and dance of Legends of West Africa. The artists in the ensemble are considered Masters, or djeli (tribal musical historians). They are the curators of Guinea’s cultural traditions and the music to which those traditions are connected. A true djeli is a committed educator. It is the djeli's responsibility and obligation to assure that the next generation of artists maintains the authenticity and purity of West African musical traditions. By exposing students to the beauty of West African music and dance Legends of West Africa is sharing a connection to a cultural history that has existed since the beginning of humanity.
Legends of West Africa is composed of 12 artists. During a one-week residency one or two members of the company will come to your school to teach drumming and/or dance. The residency culminates with a student performance. Drums are provided for all students.
The artists will work with up to four classes per day (8 total for both artists). During each class period the drum students learn the music to accompany the dance students. Toward the end of the week the students come together to combine the drumming and dance, and rehearse for a final performance.
The Legends of West Africa residency requires a minimum of two spaces for a two artists program; one for the drum students in which chairs can be placed in a large circle, and one space suitable for dance. In addition a space for the final performance is required.
School Performance
Legends of West Africa will come to your school for a 45-minute performance/demonstration. During the performance the students will learn about the various instruments used to create the music, a dance step or two and a song. In addition they will enjoy high-energy presentations of musical traditions that have spanned generations.
Performances are given during morning or afternoon hours. The artists require a stage or dance surface safe and suitable for moving in bare feet.
If you would like additional information on this once in a lifetime experience for your students, or if you would like to reserve a residency or performance date, please contact us.
Workshops and Master Classes
Legends of West Africa will provide your community with a workshop and/or master class in which participants will become immersed in the music and dance of West Africa. Each student will experience in-depth instruction dispensed by West African artists who have grown up living and breathing their craft. Our artists present instruction in dance, djembe, doundoun, krin, balafon and singing. Workshop instruction is available for beginning, intermediate, advanced and master level students.
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“…an outstanding performance of West African drum and dance.”
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Barnwell County Arts Council
“…become one with the music as if dancing around a tribal fire in Guinea, West Africa…”
-The Easley Progress
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