The "Voices Of Africa" Choral & Percussion Ensemble

Artistic Bio

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Artistic Bio

VOA as an organization , has been around some 25 years. We have traveled the continental expanse of the USA; appeared in Canada, Jamaica, London, Hawaii, and Ghana. VOA started out as a children's ensemble. VOA has now become an "African Cultural Arts Collective" that works with a variety of committed African Cultural Artist from around the Diaspora. Many of these artists are actively involved in the arts through dance, singing or drumming and lend their time to VOA to give it the professionalism, style and power that comes from well seasoned artists in the field. VOA is exploring its expansion and enjoying the new faces; the new energy; the new excitement and has over the past year been demonstrating this to our audiences nationwide. And while we are not primarily an All Women's Ensemble anymore, we are able to gather up enough women to do a presentation when that is requested. VOA shares the power and joy of its music, which spans the African Diaspora, through traditional African and African American songs, message music, gospel, inspirational and healing percussion rhythms.

The Music

This internationally acclaimed Ensemble presents a complete and unique experience of a cappella harmonies and traditional West African percussive rhythms. They are a vivacious, performing arts ensemble and have performed to standing ovations at the Women & Earth Conference, Ghana, West Africa, The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Washington, D.C., the National Women's Music Festival and many other venues throughout the country and abroad. The “Voices Of Africa,” share the joy of their music, which spans the African Diaspora, through traditional African and African-American songs, message music, gospel and inspirational percussive rhythms. They have been together since 1990.

The Instruments: “We are Women and We Play Drums.”

The traditional West African percussion instruments the Ensemble plays are; Sakara (sah’ kah rah), hand held frame drums; the Sekere (shay’ ka ray), beaded gourds; agogo (ah goe goe), double headed bells, DjunDjun and Sangba drums found in Ghana and Nigeria and all over West Africa.

The Ensemble

Nana Baakan Agyiriwah (Founder and Managing Director) has been singing, dancing, acting and performing since her youth. She is a choreographer, educator, percussionist and lyricist. Featured artists are: Adwoa Tacheampong, Pioneer. An accomplished singer, dancer & percussionist who plays several West African and Brazilian instruments. Jan Jeffries, Rhythm Speaker, percussionist, dancer and performing artist since age 4, has traveled extensively around the world, Anssumane Silla, has danced professionally for over 18 years with the National Ballet of Guinea Bissau. He is very excited to teach the traditional and contemporary dance style from Guinea Bissau; Zumbi Soweto, Angela Watson, is a keeper of traditional African folklore, has been performing, teaching, and studying African arts since 1989 & founder of Camara Arts; & Nyo Agyiriwah. Other Artists: Kimberly Logan, Amina Uqdah, Thea Bashful, Lela Jones, Zakiyyah McKelven, Shakia Easter, Adrienne Hall, Gina Ferrara and Chuckie Joseph..

The Concert Program

“When we perform the spirit may starts moving,” says Nana Agyiriwah. There is no predicting what will happen when the Ensemble takes the stage You are assured of a thrilling and engaging presentation of soul-stirring and uplifting music. The Ensemble stresses that in traditional African Society, everyone actively participates in the making of music. It is not just entertainment but interaction between musician and the community. A proverb from Zimbabwe states: “If you can walk you can dance, if you can talk you can sing.” This openly invites everyone. Feel free to dance, clap and enjoy the powerful music of the "Voices Of Africa"

The Testimonials

“What a wonderful performance you gave at our school yesterday! The feedback from the students and faculty was fabulous. I truly believe your show was one of the best assemblies we have had at the Delaware Valley Regional High School………..” Cheryl Copeland, Social Worker.

"A heart altering experience of rich harmonies and blood boiling rhythm, "Voices Of Africa" inspired a five minute standing ovation in a performance that ranks among the most brilliant I have seen in ten years of concert production." Kelly Conway, Day Stage Producer, National Women's Music Festival

“Thank you…….. I especially love the part about the different tones in the instruments as similar to different "tones" in people - even though each is different the blend, interaction and harmony of all, combine to produce beautiful melodies. Hopefully your programs will continue to inspire young people of all colors that there is something to be gained by letting the music and rhythm take over us - if only for a few moments. Teach them to find their own tone and to listen for the tones of others.” Susan Finger, MTSU

For a detailed group bio please visit: http://www.voicesofafrica.net/

Celebrate Kwanzaa with VOA, Dec. 26, 2014 thru Jan. 1, 2015

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Celebrate Kwanzaa with VOA, Dec. 26, 2014 thru Jan. 1, 2015

Looking for Culturally enriching programming for your Kwanzaa Event??? Look no further, we are here and we are ready and willing to take you there. In fact we offer workshops on Kwanzaa, it's origin and meaning and artifacts that make up the entire Kwanzaa program. We can come to your school, college, university, workplace, community center, you name it.

Our workshops include the Kwanzaa principles, Ngozo Saaba, along with dancing drumming and singing in celebration of the African American Holiday, Kwanzaa. It is not a religious holiday but a festival of renewal and re-uniting the African-American family around the 7 Kwanzaa principles.

We have also discounted many of our program fees to accommodate folks during these difficult economic times.

Thank you so much, and we hope look forward to you bringing us to your area. Click Here for "

Peace and Blessings,

Nana Akosua Baakan Agyiriwah,
Managing Director/Founder
"Voices Of Africa" Choral & Percussion Ensemble
705 N Warwick Road, Apt. C, Magnolia, NJ 08049
770-580-3322 (0ffice)
http://www.voicesofafrica.net
nanabaakan@voicesofafrica.net

Hear Our Music

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The Concert Program

Contact us: "Voices Of Africa"
Website: www.voicesofafrica.net

Hire African Entertainment

Instruments We Play

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Instruments We Play:

DjunDjun/Sangba

Nana Baakan Agyiriwah,
Managing Director/ Founder of VOA

This drum is usually played in a djembe battery of drums. It is the deep tone bottom of the music, the base....... It carries the pulse, a resonant vibration that quickens the soul and excites the spirit. It must be played with confidence, strength and power, particularly if it is to be heard above the djembe drums. We play this drum in our battery of Sakara drums. We found this to be a unique yet awesome combination of drums. We are proud that we can create in the image of our Ancestors. This drum is not typically played by women but more and more women are beginning to sound the thunder with this drum. It derives the height of passion from my being to hear and feel the vibration of this powerful drum whenever I play it. Why should any woman, who is up for the challenge, be deprived of this experience?

Djembe

Jan Jeffries, Rhythm Speaker

A djembe (pronounced JEM-bay) also known as djimbe, jenbe, jymbe, jembe, yembe, or jimbay, or sanbanyi in Susu; is a skin-covered hand drum shaped like a large goblet and meant to be played with bare hands. According to the Bamana people in Mali, the name of the djembe comes directly from the saying "Anke dje, ankebe" which literally translates to "everyone gather together" and defines the drum's purpose. In the Bamanakan language,"Dje" is the verb for "gather" and "be" translates as "everyone". Legend has it that the first djembes were made from the skin of the mythical cross between a giraffe and a zebra, the 'gebraffe'.

Marcy Frances/Singer/
Percussionist/Basist

Sakara Drum

Adwoa Tacheampong/
Singer/Percussionist/Dancer

It is a hand held drum. This drum comes in a family of four sizes:

Atele- tiny, Omele- medium, Sakara-large, and Iya-Alu-extra large. Sakara being what it is called when there is only one. This drum has the goatskin stretched over a rim of red clay and is played with a light stick. These drums (and their relatives- frame drums) are played all over the world in a variety of ways. Rhythmic patterns played with these drums resemble the sounds of the more familiar stand up drums. I have come to appreciate the powerful sound that comes from these drums as we have developed clever ways to simulate the sounds of traditional stand up drums that are played with the hands.

Thea Bashful/Singer/
Percussionist/Dancer

Sekere

(Pronounced Shay-ka-ray)
The Sekere instrument is played all over Africa in a variety of forms. The one pictured below is more commonly seen in Nigeria, West Africa. It is made from gourds of various sizes, it is dried out in the sun, the seeds are removed then it is strang with a network of stone beads on cotton yarn. Here in America we have taken the style and made numerous creations with designs and bead work. We use cotton and nylon cording along with beads of all shapes, textures and colors. One Nigerian said to me one day that our version of the Sekere outshine his own home grown version. A statement that drew exceptional pride from me. In our workshops we teach how to make and play this percussion instrument.

Agogo

Double headed bells. Bells are absolutely crucial in traditional African percussion music. They may be played in a battery of drums or played by themselves. Each head has its own tone, the high tone comes from the smaller head and the low tone comes from the larger head. Blacksmiths all over Africa have the fine job of fashioning these and various other bells for their incorporation into the sacred as well as the social music. They must make them with great precision as it would create a great embarrassment to fashion a defective instrument that is so crucial in the in the creation oaf the African sound. This bell found its way through the Americas and is presently played in much of the music of the Diaspora. Double headed bells. Bells are absolutely crucial in traditional African percussion music. They may be played in a battery of drums or played by themselves. Each head has its own tone, the high tone comes from the smaller head and the low tone comes from the larger head. Blacksmiths all over Africa have the fine job of fashioning these and various other bells for their incorporation into the sacred as well as the social music. They must make them with great precision as it would create a great embarrassment to fashion a defective instrument that is so crucial in the in the creation oaf the African sound. This bell found its way through the Americas and is presently played in much of the music of the Diaspora.

Adwoa Tacheampong, Janet McDonald, Nana Baakan, Stacie Dandrea

Dancers

Adrienne Hall- Cedeño (right)

Angela Watson (left):
Prolific African Dancer, Styles from Guinea, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Cuba

Adrienne Hall- Cedeño (right) is a native of Atlanta, GA. She has been performing for 15 years and teaching professionally for 12 years. Adrienne is primarily trained in modern, West African, and Afro-Brazilian dance but is also skilled in ballet, jazz, tap and hip-hop.

Nana Baakan playing the Sangba Drum

Thank you for your interest in the "Voices Of Africa" Choral & Percussion Ensemble. If you have any further questions be sure to contact us at voicesofafrica@voicesofafrica.net

April 16, 2010 — Arts & Business Awards Luncheon. Featuring; Janet McDonald, Gina Ferrera, Thea Bashful, Stacie Dandrea, Nana Baakan, Managing Director/Founder

April 16, 2010 — "Voices Of Africa" medley to songs, from shekere, to drums to agogo bells to djundjun. Special Guest artist, Gina Ferrera on the Ghanaian instrument called "gyil."Other artists are: Thea Bashful, Janet McDonald, Nana Baakan.

"Voices Of Africa" Programs Offered

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These workshops; lecture demos include:

1. West African Percussion Instruments, i.e., the Sakara drum, djundjun, shekere, agogo bell.

2. West African Dance: dances from Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana & Guinea Bissau.

3. West African Traditional Cuisine: Foods from Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and Liberia.

4. West African Social Customs: Emphasis on Ghanaian Traditional Social customs i.e., Names of the week, children and various items in their environment. Children's play songs and dances. Traditional Dress and style from Ghana and Nigeria, which could be demonstrated in a fashion show finale.

5. West African Language and Songs: Simple demonstration of everyday terms and expressions from Ghana & Nigeria. Each of these topics can be presented separately in a single workshop, or collectively in a residency program that includes 3-5 workshops. It is strongly advised that residency programs end in a finale presentation of what the students have learned. This finale would include a performance by VOA for an additional fee.

Programs are custom made for the needs of the students, this includes, age of students, abilities of students, (i.e. music students) amount of students per workshop.

We know that the "recession" has pinched the life out of many schools, academic and multicultural programming, so we are offering "recession" fees with the hope that you will get on board quickly and fill our schedule in so that we are busy, each and every day.

For more information please contact Nana Baakan @nanabaakan@voicesofafrica.net,

Or you can simply comment on this blog with your full information and ideas of the type of programming you wish to have us present.

Thank you so much.

Peace and Blessings
Nana Baakan Managing
Director/Founder
The "Voices Of Africa" Choral and Percussion Ensemble
705 N Warwick Road, Apt. C, Magnolia, NJ 08049
770-580-3322

"Voices Of Africa" Homepage "Voices Of Africa" on Facebook voicesofafrica@@voicesofafrica.net

Voices Of Africa on the Road

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The "Voices Of Africa" Choral & Percussion Ensemble got its start in the late 1980's. It started off as a children's Ensemble and then the children all grew up. VOA has traveled extensively around the United States, with appearances in up to 40 contiguous states. It even made an appearance in Ghana, West Africa and Loughborough University, Leicestershire, UK. We don't have pictures from every appearance but here is a sample of our journeys. So to answer your question, yes we do travel. Bring us to where you are. We play rhythms that make your heart sing. We dance and sing and offer storytelling to all demographics.

"Voices of Africa" on The Road Slideshow:

Nana’s trip to 33 cities including and Washington DC was created with TripAdvisor TripWow!

VOA Featured Members

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Featuring, Anssumane Silla, Zumbi Soweto, Nana Baakan, Adwoa Tacheampong, Shakia Easter and Angela Watson.

VOA as an organization , has been around some 25 years. We have traveled the continental expanse of the USA; appeared in Canada, Jamaica, London, Hawaii, and Ghana. VOA started out as a children's ensemble. VOA has now become an "African Cultural Arts Collective" that works with a variety of committed African Cultural Artist from around the Diaspora. Many of these artists are actively involved in the arts through dance, singing or drumming and lend their time to VOA to give it the professionalism, style and power that comes from well seasoned artists in the field.

VOA is exploring its expansion and enjoying the new faces; the new energy; the new excitement and has over the past year been demonstrating this to our audiences nationwide. And while we are not primarily an All Women's Ensemble anymore, we are able to gather up enough women to do a presentation when that is requested. VOA shares the power and joy of its music, which spans the African Diaspora, through traditional African and African American songs, message music, gospel, inspirational and healing percussion rhythms.

The Ensemble Managing Director:

Nana Baakan Agyiriwah

(Founder and Managing Director) has been a viable part of the African American community her entire life. She has been a trailblazer and Truth Warrior with a deep dedication to her African roots. She has inspired many with her wit, knowledge and down to earth grassroots common sense.
Nana Baakan has been singing, dancing and acting since she was a young child. She began the “Voices Of Africa” Choral & Percussion Ensemble in 1983 with her four children. She has performed with various groups, including, Women’s Shekere Ensemble, Kulu Mele, African Dance Ensemble, Eleto Egbe Omode (a children’s African Dance Ensemble she co-directed) and thousands of performances with The “Voices Of Africa” Choral & Percussion Ensemble around the country and abroad. Nana Baakan is an Akan Priestess, entrepreneur, dancer, percussionist, singer, lyricist, choreographer, educator and seamstress. She writes songs for the ensemble and arranges some of the percussion pieces the ensemble plays. Nana Baakan the created a sakara drum battery and added the Sangba, a powerful base drum usu-ally played with in a djembe orchestra of drums.
Educator, Counselor, Fashion Designer & Seamstress, Writer, Poet, Composer, Lyricist, Percussionist, Singer, Dancer, Choreographer, Tye-Die Artist, Costume, Doll & Shekere Maker and Entrepreneur Desktop Publisher, Web Designer, Publisher, Blogger, CD-DVD Productions

Featured Members Are
Adwoa Tacheampong:

is a vocalist, drummer, dancer & actor who has been performing since the age of 10. She has been playing Afro-Cuban Bat & studying Afro-Cuban Orisha Dance since 2003. She has been dancing Akom Akan (Ghana) dance for 10 years. She currently performs with several companies in the Philadelphia area including PhillyBloco (Brazilian), Voices of Africa (African & Folk), Tambonito (Afro-Cuban & Afro-Brazilian), Leana Song (Afro-Cuban & Ghanaian) and Sonic Liberation Front (Avant-garde jazz & Afro-Cuban), as well as being on call for other musical and acting opportunities. Adwoa plays several instruments including, but not limited to Bat, surdo, sekere, sakara, agogo, & caixa. She is an avid photographer & writer. She continually seeks to expand her creative opportunities including studying conga drumming & continuously strengthening her voice.

Jan Jeffries,

Percussionist, Tap Dancer: Known as Ms. Rhythm Speaker, is unrivaled as a consummate percussionist. Jeffries, a long time resident of Honolulu, Hawaii, hails from Philadelphia, where she began her career of dancing and drumming at the prestigious Sydney School of Dance. A lifetime of studying rhythms from around the world has made Jeffries equally well versed on a variety of hand percussion and kit techniques. She is also an accomplished hoofer—tap dancer. This accumulated knowledge and diversity of experience has inspired Jeffries to develop her own interpretation and distinct style of her trademark, RHYTHM TAP— intricate footwork, creating a percussion instrument out of the dancer’s feet. Just as jazz vocalists add rhythms to music by scatting, tappers add their voice by “scatting” with their feet. Rhythm tap tends to be a heavier or harder-hitting form of tap. Sounds are made not only with the bottom of the shoe, but with the back, sides, and tip.

Angela “Sadio” Watson

is a keeper of traditional African folklore. Angela has been performing, teaching, and studying African arts since 1989. Angela performed in Japan, Africa, and throughout the US receiving a foundation in Guinea folklore through the protege students of the legendary Papa Ladji Camara. Papa Ladji was the first master teacher to spread Guinea dance folklore here in the US since the late 1960's. Angela was a Fulbright scholar from 1997-1998, studying the village style and ballet theater style dancing with the national ballets of Guinea. As a teacher she believes in the healing power of the dance and emphasizes the principles of community and village to teach dance. Currently Angela performs with Kulu Mele African American Dance Ensemble, Green Meadows Cultural show for kids, Balafon West African Dance Ensemble of DC, and Tyhimba. Angela is the founder of Camara Arts, 'keepers of tradition', an arts organization working with youth in Rights of passage using arts in education. Angela is presently teaching as part-time faculty at the University of the Arts.

Anssumane Silla

began his dancing career at the tender age of 11. He has since danced professionally for over 18 years with the National Ballet of Guinea Bissau. He career has lead him to perform for Dignitaries, Ambassadors and Presidents from around the world. Anssumane has performed in Mali, Senegal, The Gambia, South Africa and Libya. He has garnered numerous awards for excellence in dance performance and teaching. He is very excited to teach the traditional and contemporary dance style(Bijagos, Balanta, Fula, and Manjaco) from Guinea Bissau and for people to enjoy themselves while having an amazing workout.

Zumbi Soweto,

Adrienne Abdus-Saalam

is a native of Atlanta, GA. She has been performing for 15 years and teaching professionally for 12 years. Adrienne is primarily trained in modern, West African, and Afro-Brazilian dance but is also skilled in ballet, jazz, tap and hip-hop.

Nyo Agyiriwah

Shakia Easter

Craig Bogan-El

http://www.voicesofafafrica.net
voicesofafrica@voicesofafrica.net

Reviews About "Voices Of Africa"

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Reviews About "Voices Of Africa"

"Voices of Africa: African-descendant drum ensemble Voices of Africa will perform a free concert in Pease Auditorium, Sunday, March 19, 8 p.m. The group features women singing four-and five-part acapella harmonies and playing West African percussions spanning the culture and traditions of the African Diaspora. The group will provide an educational performance for K-8 schools Monday, March 20, 11 a.m., Pease Auditorium. For more information, call Campus Life, 487-3045."
- Eastern Michigan University, Focus EMU online (Mar 14, 2006)

"The Voices of Africa choral and percussion ensemble engage and entertain UW Oshkosh students with drums, dance and song Feb. 17 in Mi Taza, Reeve Memorial Union. This Black History Month event featured West African- and Nigerian-influenced instruments, including many different variations of drums."
- SHANE ARMAN, UW Oshkosh TODAY (Feb 18, 2009)

"March 5 2007: Voices of Africa All women's a cappella and percussion ensemble, performing a powerfully unique blend of soul-stirring a cappella harmonies and African Percussions. "
- WAC Events, WAC Events (Mar 05, 2007)

"Everett Community College’s 2006 Artist and Lecture Series continues April 18 with a free performance of Voices of Africa at the Snohomish County PUD auditorium. The internationally acclaimed all-woman ensemble performs soul-stirring a cappella harmonies and percussive rhythms with traditional West African instruments. Their music spans the African Diaspora through traditional African and African-American songs, message music, gospel and inspirational percussive rhythms. The group has performed throughout the world, including at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. "
- Everett Community College, EverettWashington (Apr 18, 2006)

"CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa's annual Diversity Week will be Mon., Sept.10 through Sat., Sept.15. The event will celebrate the social issues, customs and entertainment of different cultures."
- Diversity Week at UNI, Sept. 10-15, News Release Diversity Week at UNI, 9/04/2001 (Sep 04, 2001)

"The Voices of Africa Choral Ensemble is an ensemble of African-American women who play music that spans the African diaspora. In their performances nationwide and abroad, they continually get the same reaction: People rise to their feet to the rejuvenating vibrations of the music, and are moved in spirit, mind, and body. They are dedicated to utilizing music for the purpose of peace, healing, and unity among all people, and believe that we all can use the spiritual power of the African drum to bring peace to individuals and communities. Now, the Voices of Africa comes to Omega for a heart-altering experience of rich harmonies and blood-boiling rhythm, suited for beginning drummers and singers, as well as those with experience."
- Omega Institute, Omega, awakening the best in the human spirit (Oct 15, 2006)

"The all-female Voices of Africa Choral Ensemble combines a cappella musical vocals with traditional African percussion poly-rhythms and instruments."
- The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, The Kennedy Center (Nov 20, 1999)

"The beating of drums and the shaking of beads kept heads bobbing, hands clapping and bodies swaying at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School on Thursday. Students, staff and faculty were up on their feet, moving to the beats and voices of Voices of Africa, an all-female African-American a cappella and percussion group. The Philadelphia-based ensemble came to the school dressed in authentic Nigerian attire and equipped with authentic West African percussion instruments such as the hand-held sakara drum, the sekere (pronounced sha-ka-ray), agogo bells, and the big, deep-toned samba drum."

- Janet Nguyen, The News & Advance, Lynchburg, VA (Feb 10, 2006)

"TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – An array of events will be offered at The University of Alabama to recognize February as African-American Heritage Month, ranging from forums on race relations to musical performances to a health and fitness fair to comedy entertainment and hip-hop poetry. “Voices of Africa,” an all-female a cappella choral and percussion ensemble will give two performances in Tuscaloosa on Feb. 16, including a 9 a.m. session at Shelton State Community College’s Bean Brown Theater and a 7 p.m. performance in the UA Ferguson Center Theater. The group performs and teaches the audience about the history, techniques and style of the traditional African instruments they play. For more information about the group, go to www.voicesofafrica.net/."
- Michael Polk, UA News (Jan 27, 2006)

"The internationally acclaimed all-female ensemble, "Voices of Africa," will present a concert of traditional West African percussion and choral music on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Wall Auditorium at Coastal Carolina University. The event is free and open to the public. The arts ensemble has traveled worldwide, performing in locations such as Ghana, West Africa, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the National Women's Music Festival at Illinois State University. In addition to choral and percussion performance, the ensemble also reaches out to seniors and children worldwide through a parenting organization called DECACS Inc. This event is sponsored by Coastal's Multicultural Student Services and the Office of Student Activities and Leadership. "
- Coastal Carolina University, Coastal News (Jan 25, 2007)

"Voices of Africa Choral Ensemble "We are an Internationally acclaimed, all women's a cappella and percussion ensemble. We perform a powerfully unique blend of soul-stirring a cappella harmonies and African Percussions. The instruments we play are the Sekere (shay-ka-ray), sakara and samba drums and agogo (double headed bells). Our music spans the African Diaspora and brings a powerful message about our culture and tradition as African descendant women who dare to play drums. We are available to bring our culturally rich entertainment to your place of business, school, church, university, community center social and/or cultural programs. " Based in Philadelphia."
- Gerri Gribi, African American History & Heritage Site (Feb 02, 2010)

"Attendees can also look forward to native song, dance, live music and a fashion show put on by international students. During dinner, guests will be treated to the sounds of the internationally acclaimed choral and percussion ensemble Voices of Africa. Tennakoon said the event is important for international students as many look forward to not only showcasing their culture but also meeting international alumni. She also stressed the opportunity for American students to experience new cultures."
- UW Whitewater, International Dinner offers diners a trip around the world (Feb 10, 2010)

"UWRF had special guests visit the campus, A world-renowned womans a cappella group, Voices of Africa, performed at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, Feb. 23, in North Hall auditorium. The groups performance is a powerful blend of female a cappella harmony and a variety of native African percussion instruments. VOA spans the African Diaspora creating messages about the culture and tradition of what it means to be a West African female drum player. Focus On U covered it first. ENJOY! Guest - Percussion 2010-03-13 03:02:02"
- Irish Traditional and World Music, TradWorld (Feb 03, 2009)

"VOICES OF AFRICA is an Internationally acclaimed, all women's a cappella and percussion ensemble. They perform a powerfully unique blend of soul-stirring a cappella harmonies and African Percussions. The instruments they play are the Sekere (Shay-ka-ray), Sakara (Saa-ka-ra) and Sangba drums and Agogo (ah-go-go) double headed bells). Their music spans the African Diaspora and brings a powerful message about their culture and tradition as African descendant women who dare to play drums. "
- Grand Opera House- Oshkosh, WI, Mercy Medical Center Community Engagement Series (Feb 17, 2010)

"This event gets bigger and better every year," said Ponder, who has worked with the festival for all 19 years and noted the event pulls in about 10,000 people over its three days. "We truly have the widest cultural selection this year that we've ever had." Philadelphia's The Voices of Africa Choral & Percussion Ensemble will headline Saturday's entertainment line-up at 3 p.m. Member Kristy Love said she is excited about playing the Cultural Arts Festival. "Everyone I've talked to from Ocala has been so nice, very inviting," said Love, who described her group of five as a fast-paced ensemble that strives to engage its audience. "There will be a lot of upbeat drumming, singing and dancing."
- JOE VANHOOSE, STAR-BANNER (May 02, 2008)

"Voices Of Africa" performing at Dupont Engineers Featuring: Zakiyya McKelven, Blanche Baxter, Adwoa Tacheampong, Nyo Agyiriwah, Nana Baakan, Managing Director and Founder. VOA as an organization , has been around some 25 years. We have traveled the continental expanse of the USA; appeared in Canada, Jamaica, London, Hawaii, and Ghana. VOA started out as a children's ensemble. VOA has now become an "African Cultural Arts Collective" that works with a variety of committed African Cultural Artist from around the Diaspora. Many of these artists are actively involved in the arts through dance, singing or drumming and lend their time to VOA to give it the professionalism, style and power that comes from well seasoned artists in the field.
- VsetkyVidea, VsetkyVidea (Apr 16, 2010)

"Nana Baakan has been singing, dancing and acting since she was a young child. She began the voices of africa choral and percussion ensemble in 1983 with her four children. She has performed with various groups, including, Women’s Shekere Ensemble, Kulu Mele, African Dance Ensemble, Eleto Egbe Omode (a children’s African Dance Ensemble she co-directed) and thousands of performances with The “Voices Of Africa” Choral & Percussion Ensemble around the country and abroad. Nana Baakan is an Akan Priestess, entrepreneur, dancer, percussionist, singer, lyricist, choreographer, educator and seamstress. She writes songs for the ensemble and arranges some of the percussion pieces the ensemble plays. Nana Baakan took the idea of “poly-rhythms” and applied them to the sakara drum, created a sakara drum battery and added the Sangba, a powerful drum usually played with in a djembe battery."
- The 2009 DHPY project Roots, Rhythms & Stories focuses on folk music in Philadel, Documentary History Project For Youth (Feb 11, 2010)

Past Performances

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STORYTELLING

African Children's Festival

August 13, 2011

Baba Abiodun - Storyteller

Joslyn - Storyteller

CAMARA ARTS

1st Annual African Children's Festival August 13, 2011

Saturday, August 13th, 12-5pm Location: Hatfield House 33rd & Girard Avenue See Live African Dance and Drum Performances! Workshops, Rites Of Passage, Games, Prizes, Raffle

Camara Arts on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/120977291329572/

On the Web: http://www.angelfire.com/camaraarts2008/

"Voices Of Africa" - http://www.voicesofafrica.net

"Voices Of Africa" on Facebook Contact us

"Voices Of Africa" @ The Hickman, July 20, 2011

"Voices Of Africa" @ Lancaster Worship Center, World Fair August 5, 2011

Racine Library, Racine, WI

VOA @ the Engler Center, Chilton, WI

UWRF had special guests visit the campus, A world-renowned a cappella and traditional African Percussions group, "Voices of Africa", performed at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, in North Hall auditorium. The groups performance is a powerful blend of a cappella harmony and a variety of native African percussion instruments. VOA spans the African Diaspora creating messages about the culture and tradition of West Africa.

Recession Fees

2013-07-15T23:00:00.000-04:00

Due to the economic crunch we are all experiencing these days, VOA is willing to offer discounted fees for our programming. We only ask that careful consideration by you be made so that we can accommodate you without undo financial stress on our part. Also, remember these fees are negotiable and subject to change based on what programming you wish us to bring, i.e., some events may require an additional fee for supplies. We need to get as many venues this year as possible to make this tour a productive and successful one for you, your students, your staff and your families.

For more information: Contact us: nanabaakan@voicesofafrica.net
Check us out on the web:

"Voices Of Africa" Homepage
"Voices Of Africa" on Facebook
Contact Us.

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VOA Recession Fees

Elementary/Middle/High School Programming Fees
     1. Single Workshop: $900 (program and transportation)
     2. Two Workshops: $1300( program and transportation)
     3. Three Workshops: $2000 (program and transportation)
     4. Residency Program: Three to Five Workshops- no finale $3000.00 (program and transportation)
     5. Residency Program: Three to Five Workshops- finale $3500.00 (program and transportation)
     6. Assembly: $1200.00 for 45 minutes

Libraries......
     1. Single Workshop: $900 (program and transportation)
     2. Two Workshops: $1300( program and transportation)
     3. Performance: $1200.00 for 45 minutes

Universities/Colleges/Community Centers
     1. Single Workshop/Lecture Demo: $2100.00 (program and transportation)
     2. Two Workshops/Lecture Demos: $3500.00 (programs and transportation)
     3. Performance: $2500.00 for 60 minutes

VOA Memorbilia Store Links

2013-06-22T00:56:00.000-04:00

Looking for VOA Memorabilia Store??

We have several items for sale! They make wonderful gifts for any occasion.

Click on the links below to view our merchandise.

Each department contains a full description of the items, videos demonstrating how the instruments are played, along with T-shirts, CDs and our latest DVD.

You may purchase them right here using PayPal or a credit card. All purchases are secured through the PayPal server. If you don't have PayPal, no worries, PayPal now accepts credit cards.

If you do not wish to purchase on line, we have listed a purchase order that you can print out and fill in and send along with your check or money order.

Shipping costs are automatically calculated by PayPal. Purchase order include a shipping fee of 15%.

For all orders please allow 6 weeks for delivery.

VOA Memorabilia Store Departments

Sakara Drums and Videos

Sakara Drum Bags

DRUMS DRUMS AND MORE DRUMS

Sekere/Shekeres (beaded gourds)

Agogo Bells

T-shirts

CDs and DVD

The Best Of VOA

Live! At Barry School

The Magic Of Drums

We Play Drums

Live @ Bowling Green State U

contact us: voicesofafrica@voicesofafrica.net

Memorabilia - VOA Store -Sekere Beaded Gourds & Videos

2013-06-21T00:43:00.000-04:00

SEKERE/SHEKERE - BEADED GOURDS

Item Description:

The Sekere is a beaded gourd that can be seen played all over the continent of Africa and around the world. This item is a must have for anyone collecting African instruments. The instrument is created from a gourd (vegetable). The gourd is dried, cleaned and then dressed with a network of beads. These gourds come in various styles, shapes and sizes. There are two tones that come from the instrument. One is the sound that resonates from the gourd itself, and the beads that are shaken. Gourd tones vary according to the natural quality of the gourd itself, that is the thickness, length of the neck of the gourd and the shape and size of the belly. The particular style featured here is typically seen played in Nigeria, West Africa. Some may call it the Afro Cuban version. We offer imported sekere's as well as custom handcrafted instruments.

Workshops: "Voices Of Africa" is available to host sekere making and sekere playing workshops for all ages. Presently, Zakiyyah McKelven, VOA Pioneer and prolific sekere maker facilitates these workshops. Contact her through her Facebook.. Shuga-Mama Shekeres https://www.facebook.com/SMShekeres.

Shuga MaMa Shekeres

http://www.etsy.com/shop/zmckelven

For Custom Made to Order

Wholesale/Retail Prices

$150.00 Minimum Order for Wholesale. Please allow 6-8 weeks for orders to be completed. Visit Shuga MaMa Shekeres to see what is currently in stock for faster orders. All wholesale orders are general and offer a variety of designs. Special requests and custom orders are available at retail prices only with additional discounts available based on quantity. Extra large shekeres (Agbes) are also available upon request. Note: Gourds come in different sizes and weights, too many to list, each order will be handled individually and shipping costs will be calculated accordingly. THANKS FOR YOUR BUSINESS!

VOA Memorbilia Store Links
http://www.voicesofafrica.net/2013/06/voa-memorbilia-store-links.html

contact us: voicesofafrica@voicesofafrica.net

Memorabilia - VOA Store - Sakara Drums & Videos

2013-06-20T23:33:00.000-04:00

SAKARA DRUMS

Item description:

These are rare drums imported from Nigeria, West Africa. They are handcrafted by the Hausa Tribe of North Central Nigeria. The women fashion the rim of the drum out of red clay. The men use goat skin to make the heads of these drums. The largest drum may be covered with cow or antelope skin. There are several wooden pegs around the rim of this drum which can be use to tighten the skin which brings the tone of the drums up to a higher pitch. Each drum is unique, as well as each tone is unique because these drums are hand crafted. However there are basic tones that can be expected, ranging from high tones coming from the small drums to low and deep tones in the extra large drum. They are struck with a small stick, with various patterns including the use of the hands and fingers. These drums are quite powerful and particularly when played in an Ensemble of three or more. They are also portable and easy to care for. To get an in depth demonstration, be sure to contact us for a concert or workshop presentation.
CAUTION: Do not drop this drum, expose to extreme temperatures or over moisturize it!

Iyalu - ExLarge

Sakara - Large

Atele - Medium

Omele - Small

DRUMS DRUMS AND MORE DRUMS!

Click Here for the Sekere/Shekere department in VOA Store:

http://www.voicesofafrica.net/2013/12/memorabilia-voa-store-sekere-beaded.html

DRUMS DRUMS AND MORE DRUMS

2013-06-19T03:30:00.000-04:00

DRUMS DRUMS AND MORE DRUMS

While we do not sell Djembe's and DjunDjuns we offer workshops in how to play these instruments and are willing to resource the purchase of them from some of our favorite distributors.

Djembe from Mali

Anssumane Silla, Mohamed Yiddy

Jan Jeffries

Djundjuns from Ghana

Facinet Camara

Nana Baakan and her drum

Memorabilia - VOA Store - Sakara Drums & Videos

Click Here for the Sekere/Shekere

VOA Mini Tour April 30 thur May 26, 2013

2013-05-27T22:47:00.000-04:00

VOA gives a great big SHOUT OUT & BIG UPS to all those cultural artists who made our mini-tour a success!! Thank you so much.

We were honored to have you, and though we had to do a little "musical chairs" do to scheduling conflicts we were able to engage other artists who brought even more wealth to our repertoire. And for that we are forever grateful. The silver lining on that cloud proved to be just the enrichment our Ensemble needed. We have not been quite so busy in a while but we started on April 30 and ran thru to May 26, 2013... visiting 4 cities, InterAction Forum, 2013 Arlington, VA; Boys & Girls Club, Philadelphia, PA; Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, PA; & Marriot Hotel (African Birthday Party) Cherry, NJ. Not bad for a mini tour

Big hugs and lots of love to:Adwoa Tacheampong-Joseph, Angela Watson Anssumane Silla Jan Jeffries Okomfo Akosua Nyo Jeannine Osayande Mohamed Yiddy, Zumbi Soweto @Kesiwa Baskerville, Misty Sol, Djian Tie, Latanya S. Mc Kelven(Support Staff, Film), and Zakiyyah McKelven (for her beautiful shekeres).

Blessings to you all, happiness, peace, love, long life and many more opportunities to bring cultural enrichment to audiences all over the world!!

VOA Schedule of Events

2013-01-11T23:47:00.000-05:00

The "Voices Of Africa"
Choral and Percussion Ensemble
Schedule of Events

We are available for your upcoming cultural events and holidays.
We have performed at weddings, conferences, seminars, Performing arts Centers, Colleges, Universities, Schools-k-12, Meetings, Black History Month Programs, MKL Programs, Kwanzaa Programs, etc.

Our Programs include, concerts, workshops, assemblies, and storytelling.

Contact us:

voicesofafrica@voicesofafrica.net

770-580-3322

Information on Ishe Oluwa

2012-02-03T15:38:00.000-05:00

Various Interpretations Of Ise Oluwa

Edited by Azizi Powell

http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/various-interpretations-of-ise-oluwa.html

Researched and compiled by "azizi"

I'm an African American woman who loves to learn about a lot of different things, and loves to share information with others. I'm the creator & editor of this blog. I'm also the creator & editor of two other websites that I conceptualized Cocojams and Jambalayah. Each of these sites have the goal of increasing the general public's awareness of African American cultures and of other Black cultures throughout the world. Lucas Onyango Musewe is the webmaster for each of these sites. Thanks Lucas for your assistance and support!

Various Interpretations Of Ise Oluwa

Edited by Azizi Powell

"Ise Oluwa" (e-shay o-loo-wah) may be the most widely known African religious song among non-African people throughout the world. Here are various interpretations of and comments about that Yoruba (Nigeria, West Africa) religious song. An English translation of lyrics to that song are included towards the end of this post.

Example #1
Solomon Ilori And His Afro-Drum Ensemble - Ise Oluwa (God's Work Is Indestructible)

Uploaded by 1blue1 on Aug 12, 2011

Example #2
Ise Oluwa [The Work of the Lord] by Godwin Sadoh

Uploaded by gsadoh007 on Dec 31, 2008

Ise Oluwa is a Nigerian Christian Song. There are various settings of this Yoruba song. I have another version for SATB with piano accompaniment published by Wayne Leupold Editions, 2006. Godwin Sadoh--Piano accompanist.

-snip-

Here's a comment from that video's viewer comment thread which was written in response to a post that said that "Ise Oluwa" was a Yoruba folk song:

"Ise Oluwa" is not a folk song. It is actually a Yoruba Christian song composed by one of the pioneers of Yoruba church music, that is, choirmaster and organist, in the early 20th century. There are several arrangements of the tune for vocal and instrumental ensembles by Nigerian professionally trained composers such as Samuel Akpabot, Laz Ekwueme, Joshua Uzoigwe, and Godwin Sadoh.
-gsadoh007; August 2010 http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=7sidvWh2csw

-snip-

Unfortunately, that commentater didn't identify by name the pioneer of Yoruba church music who composed "Ise Oluwa" in the early 20th century, and I haven't yet found the name of that composer online. However, here's a quote that provides some information about the impetus in the mid 19th centuryto translate the Yoruba language to English:
http://www.nigeriandictionary.com/language.php?lang_id=68

Yoruba has over fifteen dialects and standard Yoruba is the written form of the language and the standard variety learnt in school. Standard Yoruba has its origin in the 1850's, when Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first African Bishop, published a Yoruba grammar and started his translation of the Bible to Yoruba.

****
Example #3
Good Earth Singers--Yoruba Greeting--"Ise Oluwa" Chant's History

Uploaded by RobertCReady on Nov 12, 2010

the work of God (will not be destroyed)

-snip-

The man speaking/singing introduces himself in the beginning of the video, but his name isn't written in the video summary. I believe that he said "Olele Oluwa", but I'm not certain that is correct.

****
Example #4
GES (Good Earth Singers) on LCATV Open Mic Live

Uploaded by TheGoodEarthSingers on Jul 28, 2011

Shyla Nelson and a handful of Good Earth Singers make an impromptu appearance on LCATV's Open Mic Live program, channel 15 in Colchester, VT July 27, 2011. For more information go to www.goodearthsingers.org

****
Example #5
Ise Oluwa for the It Gets Better Project.m4v

Uploaded by amasong on Jan 1, 2011

AMASONG: Champaign-Urbana's Premier Lesbian/Feminist Chorus took a few minutes out of rehearsal in December to record a musical message for the It Gets Better Project (itgetsbetterproject.com).

****
Example #6
'ISE OLUWA' by One Nation

Uploaded by TPHmedia on Jul 29, 2010

****
Example #7

Lara George - Ko le Baje Ise Ti Oluwa Se - Nigerian Gospel Music - [www.Naijan.com]

Uploaded by etopedia on Dec 7, 2010

http://www.naijan.com - For Latest Nigerian Entertainment, Nigerian News, Watch Free Nigerian Movies,Social Network ,Discussion Forum & Jobs in Nigeria.

-snip-

AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF "ISE OLUWA"
From http://groups.google.com/group/yorubaaffairs/browse_thread/thread/79ffc64ba38572da?pli=1

Solo: Ise Oluwa

God's work (Sometimes rendered as "Ohun Oluwa se" What God has done)

Chorus: Ko le baje o

Cannot be spoilt (Could also render as It is permanent as in not changeable)

Solo: Ise Oluwa

God's work (Sometimes rendered as "Ohun Oluwa se" What God has done)

Chorus: Ko le baje o
Cannot be spoilt (Could also render as It is permanent as in not changeable)

Solo: Aye fe ko baje o, k'awon ba yo

The world wants it spoilt so they may be happy (May also be rendered as People want it spoilt so they can rejoice)

Chorus: Ko le baje o

Cannot be spoilt (Could also render as It is permanent as in not changeable)

Solo: Esu fe ko baje o, k'awon ba yo

Satan wants it spoilt so they may be happy (May also be rendered as Satan want it spoilt so people can rejoice)

Chorus: Ko le baje o

Cannot be spoilt (Could also render as It is permanent as in not changeable)

Solo: Ise Jehofa, ise Emi Mimo

Jehovah's work, holy spirit's work (Sometimes rendered as "Ohun Jehofa/Emi mimo se" What God has done)

Ise ti Baba wa ti se

The work that our father has done

Chorus: Ise Jisesi, Ise Emi Mimo

Jisesi's work, holy spirit's work

Ise ti Baba wa ti se

Work our father has done

Aye fe ko baje o, k'awon ba yo

The world wants it spoilt so they may be happy (May also be rendered as People want it spoilt so they can rejoice)

Ko le baje o

Cannot be spoilt (Could also render as It is permanent as in not changeable)

Ase. Amin o

Amen. So be it or so shall it be.

****

Thanks for reading this post.

Viewer comments are welcome.

VOA Black History Month Programs/Workshops

2012-01-04T03:00:00.004-05:00

VOA Black History Month

Workshop Descriptions

VOA @ Philadelphia Free Library

Homepage YouTube Channel VOA-Blogspot

MySpace Electronic Press Kit Facebook Contact Us

The “Voices Of Africa” Choral and Percussion Ensemble is an Unique Artistic Collective of Artists dedicated to West African percussion Cultural Music. This music includes, percussions, dance, songs and storytelling. VOA is an ensemble based in Philadelphia. We have a unique sound and presence that has opened opportunities for us to perform all over the country and abroad. Along with our performances, we offer Workshops, Lecture Demos and Residencies where we teach how to play the different instruments that we use in our ensemble. Those instruments are the Sekere, Sakara drum, Agogo bell, djembe and Sangba/Djundjun drum and various other hand held percussion instruments. We also infuse Brazilian percussion into our predominantly West African rhythms and style to create fun and unique sounds that our participants enjoy learning. We are writing you to propose a single workshop or workshop series dealing with percussion and a workshop series that teaches how to make the Sekere (beaded gourd) instrument. We make our own sekeres and we conduct workshops for adults teaching them how to make their own. At the completion of the workshop series, each participant will have their own sekere that they can take home with them.

VOA Workshops @ Omega Institute

African Market Place

WORKSHOP PROGRAMS

1. SINGLE WORKSHOP

consists of teaching how to sing, dance, & play West African instruments creating beautiful rhythms. It will end with a drum circle where participants can utilize what they have learned and what comes naturally to play the instruments. No materials needed (we bring the instruments with us and have enough for up to 50 participants, however we do offer a drum for each participant to take home for a fee of $25 per person). This workshop is suitable for ages 6 and up, however we do not recommend any longer than 1 hour for ages 6-16.

ALL FEES ARE NEGOTIABLE

VOA in Norwich, Ohio

VOA in Oshkosh, WI

VOA in Ghana, West Africa

2. WORKSHOP SERIES, we will teach several classes either on a weekly basis or consistently over one week (5 days) the various instruments and rhythms concentrating on West African and Brazilian percussions. We will also teach songs that coincide with the different rhythms. Participants will learn the intricacies of how to create the music and how to sing traditional songs along with playing the instruments. The series will end in a drum circle complete with singers, drummers and (if they are brave enough) dancers. 90 minutes each day, weekly or throughout one week. 5 classes- ages 6 and up. A $25 materials fee can be included for each participant for them to receive a Sakara drum of their own. ALL FEES ARE NEGOTIABLE

INSTRUMENTS

3. SEKERE MAKING WORKSHOP SERIES, where participants learn to make the West African beaded gourd. We will teach them some of the many patterns of beadwork they can use and also teach them about the instrument and how it is played. They will also paint and decorate their sekere to their personal taste. By the end of the series, they will have their very own sekere and know how to play it. 90 minutes each day, weekly or within one week, ages 16 and up. 5 classes - plus a per person materials fee of $20. ALL FEES ARE NEGOTIABLE

SEKERE-BEADED GOURD/ NIGERIA/GHANA

Djembe Drum

Sangba/Djundjun

Sakara Drums

Agogo/Gongonkui

Thank you so much for your time in reading this.

Nana Baakan Agyiriwah
Managing Director/Founder
The “Voices Of Africa” Choral and Percussion Ensemble
705 N Warwick Road, Apt. C, Magnolia, NJ 08049
770-580-3322
nanabaakan@voicesofafrica.net

You may also visit our website at www.voicesofafrica.net, or our YouTube Channel for more information. If you are interested or would like to discuss our programs and fees, clickhere.

Testimonials:
"A heart altering experience of rich harmonies and blood boiling rhythm, “Voices of Africa” inspired a five minute standing ovation in a performance that ranks among the most brilliant I have seen in ten years of concert production." Kelly Conway Lavender Underground Booking & Productions Day Stage Producer, National Women's Music Festival.

COLLABORATIONS - African Children's Festival

2011-08-29T19:19:00.005-04:00

"Voices Of Africa" Choral and Percussion Ensemble has participated over the last several years in a variety of collaborative efforts in Spreading the Message in the Music and the Culture of West Africa. VOA has extended its programming to include working with other cultural arts organizations, venues and artists in the city of Philadelphia and across the country.

CAMARA ARTS

1st Annual African Children's Festival August 13, 2011

Saturday, August 13th, 12-5pm Location: Hatfield House 33rd & Girard Avenue See Live African Dance & Drum Performances! Workshops, Rites Of Passage, Games, Prizes, Raffle Camara Arts on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/120977291329572/
On the Web: http://www.angelfire.com/camaraarts2008/

STORYTELLING

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