A Taste Of African Musical Traditions In The Ozarks

Dance and drum classes are scheduled.

There's a little taste of Africa, located in the Ozarks area of Arkansas, Fayetteville, to be exact. A group of drummers and dancers in the area formed the AFRIQUE AYA DRUM AND DANCE TROUPE, in order to share the culture and music of West Africa. The rhythms and rituals specifically come from Cote d'Ivoire.

Usually in West African culture, the dancing and drumming combine with a rich tradition of storytelling. People in the area essentially come together, not just for performances, but also workshops, where they can learn the vibrant, earth-based rhythms, combined with lyric movements.



The reach of Afrique Aya is not just regional, however, but encompasses the entire US. Music director Kouakou Yao, or "Angelo" offers drum and dance classes on a weekly basis in Fayetteville and Eureka Springs, for all different age groups. Because the drum and dance classes are filled with high-energy movements, they can give learners' bodies a physical boost, as well as lifting the spirit. Movements used in the classes can be adjusted for any age and ability. Besides working with this musical troupe, he also directs an Afropop dance band and leads various cultural exchange tours to West African nations.

Besides scheduled performances, Afrique Aya is also available for public and private events, such as weddings, parties, benefits, and other celebrations. The troupe has opened for Willie Nelson, and performed at the University of Arkansas, at First Night Fayetteville's New Year celebration for several years, at the Walmart Shareholders Meeting, with seniors at Butterfield Trail Village, and at Washington Regional Medical Center's Day of Dance For Health, plus many more.

In addition, Afrique Aya works with various schools directly in the classroom by providing an experience of traditional African culture through hands-on demonstration or performance. Students learn abstract concepts, like numbers, language, math, critical thinking, and patterns. For those who have students who learn better physically, this experience is a definite help. The troupe is capable of providing one-time workshop experiences and also artist-in residence extended visits.

A drum circle that was held in Eureka Springs.

And there's more. Aftique Aya also provides drum circle facilitation. This is a way of providing a healing experience for group communities in need. The rhythm of the drums and dancing brings order to chaos and touches the individual psyche. Once per month this troupe holds it own drum circle on the first Saturday of every month, besides being available for individual booking.

Thanks for information from this article on Afrique Aya's site: http://afriqueaya.org/Aboutafriqueaya.html; this article from the same site: http://afriqueaya.org/whatweoffer.html; and the above link.

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