Co-Presented with Time Will Tell Arts Society…. Evening of Ghanaian Drum and Dance with special guests.
With guest dancers Awal Alhassan, Sheimawu Abubakari
And direct from Ghana, master drummer/dancer Vodzi Torgboh
6:30pm doors and food
7pm free dance workshop
8pm performances
Adanu Habobo, one of Vancouver’s premiere African drum and dance ensembles, will be showcasing the breadth and beauty of the traditional music and dance of Ghana, with several special guest drummers and dancers. Awal Alhassan and his partner Sheimawu Abubakari will electrify audiences with their movements ad talking drums from Northern Ghana.
Complementing them is Vodzi Torgboh, a master drummer and dancer, whose mastery of hand and stick drumming will be a rare treat. This is Torgboh’s first time off the continent and Adanu Habobo is honoured to be his host.
Opening the evening will be Muevete Marimba, led by local world percussion wizard Robin Layne. They will be performing a combination of Zimbabwean, Latin American, and original music arranged for marimba ensemble.
The combined ensemble will be presenting an evening of music rooted in traditional music forms from the North and South of Ghana, which is known for deep polyrhythms, drums that talk, and intricate dance choreographies that are intertwined with drumming rhythms. There will also be opportunities for audience participation, an integral part of the African performing experience.
Adanu Habobo was formed in 2012 by Curtis Andrews and Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo with the goal of presenting the traditional arts of Ghana. Comprised of professional and amateur musicians and dancers, they have performed all over the mainland and have collaborated with brass bands, 30-person choirs, and other reputed performers from across Africa who reside in the Lower Mainland. Awal Alhassan and Sheimau Abubakari are ambassador of the Dagomba traditions of Northern Ghana. Both have performed all over Ghana and toured the world as a member of numerous ensembles.
Vodzi Torgboh is a walking library of his Ewe musical traditions. Born into a traditional family of drummers and ritual specialists, he has been immersed in drumming since birth and is widely recognized in his community as an unparalleled traditional drummer, dancer, and singer. This is his first time in North America (and first time off the continent).
For Curtis Andrews, the visionary behind the concert, this is the latest step of a 20-year journey. “I first visited Ghana in 1999 to study traditional drumming and dance. The people and their music have kept me coming back, forging deep relationships. One of the best musicians I have ever met during this time is Vodzi Torgboh, who has become one of my best friends since we first met more than 15 years ago. Though we have often discussed it, this is the first time I am able to invite and host one of my Ghanaian friends in Canada and I’m excited to see where this will lead!”
Besides the concert focused on Ghanaian music and dance, there will be a free dance workshop preceding the show and Ghanaian food will be for sale from Taste of Africa restaurant as well.
ARTIST LINKS:
www.adanuhabobo.com
www.curtisandrews.ca
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This Event is generously supported by the Canada Council, Canadian Heritage, the City of Vancouver, and Music BC.