The World Music performances feature artists curated by local Philadelphia musician and educator, Shawn Hennessey. Here is the lineup:
12:30-1:30pm
Youba Cissokho - Master Kora
Anssumane Silla - Djembe
This group hails from Senegal and Guinea Bissau, but represents and performs music from all over West Africa exploring and sharing the joy and depth of these ancient rhythms.
Born in Senegal to a revered Jali storyteller family, Youba is a 72nd generation master kora player in the griot tradition, continuing a legacy that spans centuries. The kora he plays is a beautifully crafted 21 string harp fashioned after a calabash gourd. He plays traditional Mandinka and Wolof music as well as newer compositions that are informed by jazz, reggae and Afrobeat styles.
An accomplished dancer and drummer, Anssumane Silla began performing at the age of 11 in his native Guinea Bissau. He has danced professionally for over 18 years with the National Ballet of Guinea Bissau. He was also a member of the contemporary dance troupe, Africa Estranha. Since arriving in Philadelphia in 2008, Mr. Silla has toured numerous states, performing as a dancer and drummer with the African Cultural Arts Collective (formerly Voices of Africa Drum Ensemble).
Project Capoeira
Project Capoeira, Inc. is a 501 ©(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Project Capoeira, Inc. is to preserve, develop, and share Capoeira, a Brazilian folk art that combines elements of martial arts, music, dance, and acrobatics. Their activities grow intercultural understanding and a sense of community through arts education and social outreach. The organization uses Capoeira as a vehicle to promote other Brazilian arts and to preserve Brazilian culture in Greater Philadelphia.
Dendê Macêdo is a percussionist, singer, composer, bandleader, teacher, and multi-instrumentalist. He’s been a professional musician since the age of 14, when he appeared in the frontline of Timbalada, Carlinhos Brown’s superstar percussion ensemble. Since 2001, he’s been developing his solo career, splitting his time between the US and Bahia and working with his folkloric group Ologundê and his flagship band Dendê & Band.
