The Harvest- Kassa

This rhythmis from the Malinke people done to support the farmers as they work in the rice fields. Since the workers don’t have heavy machinery families and friends sing, play, and dance and offer refreshments to encourage them to continue to get their work done.

Kassa

Kassa is a dance created by the Malinke ethnic group from the Upper Region of Guinea, West Africa. According to Guinean master dancers, Moustapha Bangoura and Abdoulaye Camara, Kassa was created to encourage the farmers while they are working in the fields and to conserve the seeds for future plantings. People come from the village to the fields to cheer for the farmers and provide them with food. They play the rhythm and dance in support of the farmers as they work. The labor is done without machinery so the people go to encourage them to persevere with joyful spirits. Kassa means to plant in Malinke. In the spirit of Kujichagulia, self-determination, let’s encourage each other to be our best selves during and after this Kwanzaa season.

Kassa

This rhythmis from the Malinke people done to support the farmers as they work in the rice fields. Since the workers don’t have heavy machinery families and friends sing, play, and dance and offer refreshments to encourage them to continue to get their work done. While many people do not live as farmers, we are constantly tilling the soil of our minds to produce positive fruit for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Khakilambe

Khakilambe is an important mask of the Baga people. The spirit of Khakilambe is revered as the protector against evil spirits. He appears to make important revelations about the present and the future. Usually and elder male in the community speaks as a messenger for Khakilambe. This entity does not speak directly to the people. Khakilambe can predict whether or not there will be flood or drought, or whether the harvest will be good. He also tells the sacrifices that each individual or family may need to make for blessings to come.

~ Osunlade Fatunmise

The people also bring sacrifices to Khakilambe. Khakilambe is a Susu word and in the Baga language translates as Montcholnumporte. The Susu recognize any tall creature as Khakilambe. It is said that the mask itself resembles a bird’s head (long beak)

~ Ayodele Austin

Kuku -

In 1993, we debuted this rhythm on the stage in Spelman College's historic Sisters Chapel. This high energy celebration dance of the Susu people of Guinea, West Africa has become our signature finale piece. This is a social dance from the Susu people of Guinea. It is done for all kinds of celebrations. Even in the hardest of times it is important to find something to celebrate. We celebrate the opportunity to share with you and invite the audience to join us for this finale dance.

Kuku -

15 years ago, we debuted this rhythm on the stage in Spelman College's historic Sisters Chapel. This high energy celebration dance of the Susu people of Guinea, West Africa has become our signature finale piece

Lekule

This funky rhythm created by Master Malinke Drummer, Mamady Keita,

celebrates a woman’s physical beauty. GIWAYEN MATA recognizes that beauty goes beyond the

physical. It is important, however, to appreciate the gifts that we have been given. Taking care o

our minds, bodies, and spirits and affirming what makes us who we are helps to create positive self-images.

Macru

Macru is a dance and rhythm from the Susu people of Guinea, West Africa. It is sometimes flirtatious and seductive and celebrates the full moon. Macru often follows Yankadi at a faster tempo.

Mane/Guinea Fare I and II

These women’s dances are from the Baga people of Guinea, West Africa.

Mane/Guinea Fare I and II

These women’s dances are from the Baga people of Guinea, West Africa. Sassy, sensual, strong and fiery are many of the characteristics of womanhood. Claiming these wonderful ways of being GIWAYEN MATA dances, plays, sings and shouts, “We love being African women!” without speaking a word.

Marvelous and Majestic is a salute to men known and unknown who have paved the way for us through their works and their sacrifices. It is a declaration of the greatness that lies within the men we love and appreciate.

Written by- Omelika Kuumba

M’boreo

M’boreo is a love song from Senegal.

Ofele (an excerpt) –

Ofele translates to mean “one who honors her parents”. In the Ivory Coast Ofelina are people who have lost one or more of their parents. When Jelalu Zauli was a little girl, her mother died. She continued to live with her father and stepmothers. Some time after her father’s death, her stepmothers, family, and community began to treat her poorly. She eventually left home. While on her journey, she experienced tremendous difficulties. She prayed and prayed for the Creator to make things better for her. During her sleep she would dream of becoming a great drummer and dancer with people cheering for her. She finally found Bantifila village, but initially the people there shunned her too. Eventually their harsh actions pierced their hearts, making them remorseful. Their remorse led them to find Jelalu and embrace her into their hearts and community. They helped Jelalu Zauli manifest her dreams. Choreographer: Djian Tie

The Connection: Puttin’ It All Together

Mendian i is a dance of the Malinke people in recognition of girls’ rite of passage into womanhood. GIWAYEN MATA combines the rhythm and movements form this dance with contemporary beats and movements showing the correlation easily drawn between African and African American rhythm and movement.

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Дата добавления: 2015-10-29