Ngoma African Dance Company - Program 03/23/24

IN LOVING MEMORY OF CHRISTOPHER ELVIN 29th

PRESENTS

NIJA YA KUELEKEA AFRIKA ALL ROADS LEAD TO AFRICA

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

BABADUNJO OLAGUNKÉ

MARCH 23

CELEBRATION OF LIFE CEREMONY

IN REMEMBRANCE OF CHRISTOPHER ELVIN LOVINGLY KNOWN AS CHRIS WHO IS A JOY TO ALL WHO GOT A CHANCE TO MEET HIM. WE SEND OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. MAY HE REST IN PEACE. HOPE YOU ENJOY THE FRONT ROW SEAT CHRIS. IN OUR HEARTS ALWAYS. WITH LOVE,

PRESENTS

NIJA YA KUELEKEA AFRIKA ALL ROADS LEAD TO AFRICA 29th Annual Concert March 23, 2024, at 7:30 pm Camp Concert Hall Booker Hall of Music University of Richmond Artistic Director: Babadunjo Olagunké Lighting Designer: Patrick Kraehenbuehl Technical Director: PK Featuring Akoma De Gado Dance & Drum Performance Ensemble, UR’S West African Drum Class

ABOUT NGOMA AFRICAN DANCE COMPANY The Ngoma African Dance Company is an ensemble devoted to preserving the African Diaspora and folkloric art forms. Ngoma was founded in 1994 by Markita Boney (now Markita Brooks). She wanted to create a space where students would come together, vibe, release stress, and workout! This season we celebrate 29 YEARS and Ngoma still carries on in this fashion. The company has operated under the artistic director of Babadunjo Olagunké for 28 of those years.

This year's presentation is entitled "Nija Ya Kuelekea Afrika~ All Roads Leads to Africa”! Restarting this year during an ongoing pandemic and after being off for two concert seasons has presented its share of challenges. It is by “God’s Grace” that we are still here! We reap the awesome benefits of appreciation and dedication and are honored to share our performance with you.

Enjoy family… Asé ohhhhhhhh!!!

ABOUT AKOMA DE GADO DANCE & DRUM PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE: Akoma De Gado Dance & Drum Performance Ensemble is a group of dancers and musicians specializing in African and Black dance throughout the diaspora, incorporating culture, customs, history, rhythms, song, and traditions. We pride ourselves in telling stories from the African American perspective and showcasing this art form in the 21st century. We elevate our African American culture, while celebrating African culture.

Founder, Chairman, and Artistic Coordinator: Babadunjo Olagunké

THE PROGRAM Act I Drum Call & Libation

Musicians: Roderick Davis, Ray Nicholson, Baba Edalio Galarza, William Lewis, Abdou Mohammed, Babadunjo Olagunké, Baba Will Anderson, Trey Anderson

Kassa

Choreography by Babadunjo Olagunké Performed by Michelle Darfour, Anaiya Forte, Grace Randolph, Aida Lette, Chelsea Waruzi, Kiyah Harris, & Leanna Morris Kassa originated in Guinea, specifically from the Malinke people. It is a harvest dance.

KouKou

Choreography by Babadunjo Olagunké Performed by Kay Lina, Genice Thomas, Katiana Isaac, Stephanie Moki, Halleluya Kaleb, Meklet Berihun, & Laeticia Tamufor KouKou originated from Guinea and the Ivory Coast from the Susu people. It is a rite of passage dance, and also a celebration for the women returning from the fishing expeditions. The kou kou is also a fruit similar to the kiwi.

Solo (Anaiya)

Choreography by Michelle Darfour & Anaiya Forte Performed by Anaiya Forte For this solo I wanted a chance to dance to some of my favorite songs that have been on repeat since the year started. I also wanted to incorporate dance influences from all parts of my life, from Ngoma dances to TikTok dances I attempted to learn in my bedroom. This opportunity has created some of the most fun memories I’ve had at Ngoma and I couldn’t have done this without Michelle who choreographed my dance and helped me every step of the way.

THE PROGRAM Horn of Africa

Choreography by Meklet Berihun and team Performed by Kay Lina, Halleluya Kaleb, Meklet Berihun, Tsion Maru, Debora Lemma, Siham Niori, The Horn of Africa: an array of traditional dances originating from tribes spanning across Ethiopia and Eritrea including Tigrinya, Amhara, Gurage, Oromo, and Wolayta. Though merely a glimpse, through these dances we aim to encapsulate a snippet of the diversity and rich spirit present within habesha culture.

Drum Interlude - Akoma De Gado Dance & Drum Performance Ensemble Extraordinoire

Choreography by Anaiya Forte, Michelle Darfour, & Stephanie Moki Performed by Anaiya Forte, Michelle Darfour, Stephanie Moki, Kiyah Harris, Chelsea Waruzi, Meklet Berihun, Katiana Isaac, Kay Lina, & Aida Lette

Drum Interlude Sinte’

Choreography by Babadunjo Olagunké Performed by NGOMA African Dance Company Sinte’ originated from Guinea specifically from the Nalu people. It was originally danced in preparation for the initiation rites of young women.

THE PROGRAM Intermission

Act II Solo (Katiana)

Choreography by Katiana Isaac Performed by Katiana Isaac “I wanted to touch a bit on the dance elements, the styles that I’ve been exposed to and their influence on me. I am blessed to be part of multiple legacies that are all part of who I am. I hoped to share a bit of the chaos that can happen while creating in a dancer’s mind — my mind.” This is Kati. These are her roots.

Formal Drum Call Dundungba Choreography by Babadunjo Olagunké Performed by Anaiya Forte, Michelle Darfour, Kiyah Harris, Chelsea Waruzi, & Grace Randolph Dundungba is a dance of the strong originating from Burkina Faso and is the most popular in Guinea. This dance is done before wrestling matches, celebrations, and important village events. The rhythm calls the dancers to show their strength, creativity, and their ability to challenge and do battle with other dancers.

THE PROGRAM Gumboot

Choreography by Babadunjo Olagunké Performed by AdG Gumboot is a South African dance that is performed by dancers wearing Wellington gumboots. The boots may be embellished with bells. This sound would communicate to the other workers in the coal mines as there was strictly no talking otherwise there would be severe, drastic punishments at the discretion of their superior. This dance is the origin of stepping amongst the Black Greek organizations and modern-day step teams

Ballanta (Finale)

Choreography by Performance by Ngoma African Dance Company This season we celebrate 29 YEARS and continue with the rich legacy of The Ngoma African Dance Company on the campus of the University of Richmond.

We will end with our Finale: Ballanta! Originating from Guinea-Bissau, SenegalCasamance Region West Africa. This is a coming-of-age and Initiation rites dance from childhood to adulthood.

ABOUT THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Babadunjo Olagunké is a professional dancer, choreographer, adjudicator, consultant, and costume designer. Since 1983, Baba D has instructed 1000's of students, numerous award-winning teams, high schools, workshops, clinics, camps, organizations, and independent ensembles. He currently is the Artistic Director of The Ngoma African Dance Ensemble at University of Richmond, The Founder, Chairman, Artistic Coordinator of The Akoma Dance & Drum Performance Ensemble, formerly the coArtistic Director of The Ezibu Muntu African Dance Theatre, The Color Guard Coordinator for Powhatan High School, Freedom HS- Visual Ensemble Instructor, The Executive Director of Light Brigade South Color Guard & Performance Ensemble. Baba D also performed with The Carolina Gold Drum & Bugle Corps-Charter member and The Light Brigade World Winter Guard, which was The European Champions in 2007. He was also awarded numerous Outstanding Performer Awards with those ensembles.

He has served as a dance liaison in Senegal, West Africa and is a member of the Dzifa Masquerade Society. He has worked closely with the late Baba Chuck Davis' African American Dance Ensemble and late Baba Melvin Deals’ African Heritage Dancers and Drummers. Babadunjo has over 35 years of experience in African Dance. His educational background includes studying at VCU with a concentration in Physical Education and a minor in Dance/Choreography. In 2015, he was inducted into The Atlantic Indoor Association's Hall of Honor.

ABOUT THE DRUM INSTRUCTOR

Roderick Davis has worked in education for nearly 2 decades, having a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Architectural Drafting & Design from Virginia State University, Advanced Certifications in Principles of Engineering and Introduction to Engineering Design from Duke University, and several professional Computer Aided Drafting Certified User certifications. Mr. Davis was introduced to West African Drum and Dance in 1994 by his former teacher, mentor and founding member of Ezibu Muntu, Renne Knight. Roderick has actively dedicated himself as a drummer for 3 decades to Ezibu Muntu,Akoma de Gado, N’Goma, and to his community. He has held the positions of Lead Drummer and Musical Director for 20 years. He has also taught djembe music for over 10 years as an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Richmond.` While teaching at MLK Middle, Roderick created an after school program for young boys focusing on leadership through learning West African music, which had an 8 year span. Roderick is also the cofounder of Capoeira Resisténcia Richmond with world renowned capoeira master from São Paulo, Brazil, Mestre Panão. He has trained and taught under the direct tutelage of M. Panão for 17 years. Mr. Davis is now the group’s first graduated American Professor of capoeira and is now teaching this Brazilian martial art form in Richmond and Charlottesville VA.

THE COMPANY Katiana Isaac (“I Don’t Know") is the current president of Ngoma. She is a fourth year of Haitian descent raised from Orange, NJ. “Thank you Ngoma for reigniting my love that is dance and giving me space on this campus.” Viv lang kreyo Anaiya Forte ("Da Step") is Dance Captain of Ngoma. She is from Silver Spring, MD, and is a second year. “Ngoma brought me so much peace it was so nice to have a space where black women could dance, enjoy each other's company, and unapologetically be us.”

Stephanie Moki ("ITwirl") is Vice President of Ngoma. She is a second year from Easton, PA. “My favorite part about Ngoma is being around so many beautiful people who share creativity and passion with every practice and performance.”

Michelle Darfour ("Too Short") is the Treasurer of Ngoma. She is a second year from Woodbridge, VA. “I joined Ngoma because I wanted a way to embrace my African roots and have a creative outlet to break up my more technical classes.”

Kay Lina ("Shermixolot") is the Music Manager for Ngoma. She is a second year born in Ethiopia but was raised in Silver Spring, MD. “I joined Ngoma to be surrounded by people from similar communities/backgrounds on campus.”

Genice Thomas ("Hangry”) is the Social Media Advisor for Ngoma. She is a second year from Newark, NJ. “I joined Ngoma because I wanted to expand my cultural dance capabilities and connect with such beautiful people.”

Halleluya Kaleb ("Last One") is Co-Secretary for Ngoma. She is a second year from Northern VA/Ethiopia. “I joined Ngoma to find community and a creative outlet filled with such genuine and wonderful teammates.”

Aida Lette ("Rhythm Nation”) is the Co-Secretary for Ngoma. She is a second year from Northern VA. “I joined Ngoma because I’ve always wanted to dance but I also saw it as a place of togetherness with other black women where we could be our true selves unapologetically.”

THE COMPANY Grace Randolph ("Yasss") is a second year from Suffolk, Virginia. “I joined Ngoma to expand my community on campus, to push myself out of my comfort zone, and to build new friendships!”

Jodi-Anne Reid is a second year from Jamaica. “I joined Ngoma because I wanted to try African dancing and be a part of a new welcoming community!”

Laeticia Tamufor ("IWork") is a second year from Cameroon. “I joined Ngoma because I’ve always loved dancing and I was looking forward to using that talent to connect with others on campus.”

Meklet Berihun (“Secret Weapon”) is a first year from Woodbridge, VA. “I joined Ngoma because as a freshman, I was looking for an outlet where I can express myself and meet people who look like me.”

Kiyah Harris ("Pick & Choose") is a first year from Milwaukee, WI, Big 414! “I joined Ngoma because I wanted to get back in touch with dance, and Ngoma was a way for me to be in touch with both dance and my beautiful community.”

Chelsea Waruzi (“You betta Get It”) is a first year from Alexandria, VA. “I joined Ngoma because I love trying new things and dancing was always something I wanted to pursue recreationally.”

Leanna Morris (“Bread”) is a first year born in NYC and raised in Richmond. “I joined Ngoma because I wanted to participate in an African dance team.”

IN LOVING MEMORY OF CHRIS ELVIN

SPECIAL THANKS TO: The Elvin Family The Modlin Center for the Arts Alicia Diaz Samantha Salters Anne Van Gelder Erika Stanley Chris O’Neil Lay’la Harmon