In honor of Black History Month, the Saakumu Dance Troupe from Ghana will visit Ithaca College to present a free performance on Friday, February 29. The presentation will begin at 8:15 p.m. in Ford Hall in the James J. Whalen Center for Music.
Saakumu Dance Troupe is dedicated to introducing audience to traditional and contemporary African dance and music. Saakumu means "traditions" in a local language in Ghana, and the company blends both traditional and contemporary cultures with creativity. The group is one of the leading traditional/contemporary dance and music groups in Ghana, West Africa.
Led by master musician Bernard Woma, the group's repertoire includes a range of spiritual, ceremonial, recreational genres to contemporary African dance forms. The group's music and dance are joyful, expressive, and highly participatory. Instrumentation includes the African xylophone known as the "gyil," drums, calabash water drums, and the praise singing (talking drums) of the Akan and Dagbamba people of Ghana.
Based in Medie, Accra, the Saakumu Dance Troupe has performed at important governmental functions, national, and international music and dance festivals throughout Ghana and West Africa. They are the designated official performing group at this year's National Festival of Art and Culture, the largest cultural festival in Ghana.
For more information on Saakumu, visit www.bernardwoma.com. For more information on Ithaca College School of Music events, visit www.ithaca.edu/concerts or call 607-274-3717.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20080225083202849