The Drums of West Africa

So much of the dance and music of the New World, and especially of the Caribbean, has its roots in West Africa. The rhythmic sounds and movements are the strongest cultural ties that the millions of slaves retained from their homelands. Those ties were gradually woven into almost every form...

By Anne Tschida

September 4, 2014

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So much of the dance and music of the New World, and especially of the Caribbean, has its roots in West Africa. The rhythmic sounds and movements are the strongest cultural ties that the millions of slaves retained from their homelands. Those ties were gradually woven into almost every form of music of the Americas, which is why the African Diaspora Dance and Drum Festival of Florida — now in its fifth year — is a fascinating and rich trip. Locally based Delou Africa Inc. has made it a mission to educate those of us on this side of the Atlantic about the long and hugely varied traditions in dance, music, and particularly drumming that originated in the western regions of Africa, with a three-day festival that involves performances, workshops, and kid-oriented activities Friday through Sunday. Dancers and drummers from Guinea, Senegal, the Ivory Coast, Mali, and Cuba — the last with heavily influenced Afro-Caribbean traditions — will provide both the instruction and showcased performances at the Little Haiti Cultural Center (212 NE 59th Ter., Miami) and iTech (6101 NW Second Ave., Miami). Tickets cost $20 for general admission; $12 for seniors, students, and children aged 4 and older; and $10 per person for groups of ten or more. Visit addff.delouafrica.org for individual event dates and times.
Fri., Sept. 5, 4:45-8 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 6, 9 a.m.-6:15 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 7, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., 2014

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