Magic of African Rhythm with students from Community Music School February 13, 2011

Free Concert presented by PineCone and NC Museum of History.
This powerful ensemble features traditional African melody, movement, and rhythm and explores the similarities between North Carolina blues and West Africa Songhay blues. They are leading a residency with some of Raleigh’s Community Music School students, who join them in this special performance.
The Magic of African Rhythm (TMOAR) is a pillar in the bridge that connects us to our African heritage across the ocean. Baba and Mama Shabu began working on the bridge in the 1960’s and the Shabu Family continues this cultural tradition today. The African concept of Ngoma, the “rhythmic thread” that links drumming, singing, dancing, and visual arts together, is expressed in all our offerings: Djembe Fire!, Balankora, and Safari Ngoma. !” Audiences chant the names of newly learned drums making music on and off the stage. Meaningful stories are told in both authentic song and original dance choreography. In the midst of the drama, skilled dancers appear to fly, leaving onlookers in an awe of swirling raffia skirts and headdresses. Drums, dance, costumes, song and story carry audiences across the colorful spectrum of the entire continent. Acclaimed for our unique ability to communicate and engage multitudes of ages, races, and abilities, audiences join us onstage in jubilant celebration.