June 4, 2023 2:00-3:30PM Omo Kulu Mele at The Performance Garage

 

Get excited because Omo Kulu Mele is going to take you through Guinea and Mali West Africa. They will be performing a warrior dance that supports the brave and strong men going through combat; as well as a dance that honors female energy.

1. Sofa (Guinea)
Sofa means “warrior“ in the Malinke language. The rhythm was played to support the brave and strong men going to combat, as well as to praise them for their success and bravery when they came back on horseback. Also the young initiate learn how to hunt in preparation for his rite of passage. (Beginner Dancers)
Choreography: Ama Schley
Music Arrangement: Quadell Brytiece Wallace

2. Yamama (Guinea)
A masked and harvest dance from the Susu people of Guinea, traditionally performed each year to honor a female spirit. Perform at a wide variety of special occasions. (Advanced Dancers)
Choreography: Ama Schley
Music Arrangement: Quadell Brytiece Wallace

3. Tansole (Mali)
Is a rhythm adapted from Komofoli. Komofoli is a dance associated with a men’s secret society, called “Komo.” Playing Komofoli outside of its ceremonial context within the secret society would not be acceptable. Therefore, the Tansole rhythm was adapted from Komofoli so that everyone could dance to it. Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble
Dancers: Ama Schley, Payin Schley, Alakee Bethea-Fairchild, Kia H Wimmer, Fasina Wilkie, Crystal Gatling
Choreography: Ama Schley
Music Arrangement: Quadell Brytiece Wallace

4. Hip Hop
(Advanced Dancers)
Music by: Burna Boy( Koni Baje), Lojay Sarz & Chris Brown (Monalisa)
Instructor: Yusuf Young

5. Soli (Drummers Solo)
The Soli rhythm accompanies the ritual of initiation and circumcision. It marks the transition to adulthood The rhythm changes from slow to the fast depending on which song is being performed (Drummers: Drum class students)
Drum instructor: Quadell Brytiece Wallace.

6. Djole
Is a very well known rhythm that owes its popularity to some Mandenyis who brought it to Conakry. Now, it is played all over West Africa. In the beginning, it was a mask dance representing a woman. The mask was worn by a man who dressed as a woman. Djole was always a great festivity done in several villages to bring the people together to celebrate harvest, end of Ramadan or weddings. (All Students: beginners and advance dancers)
Choreography: Ama Schley
Music Arrangement: Quadell Brytiece Wallace

Tickets: $15-$25

Performance Garage 1515 Brandywine Street Philadelphia, PA 19130