Master Musicians of Africa: A LEAF Global Arts Benefit Featuring Adama Dembele and Chinobay
– ALL AGES (kids 12 and under FREE)- PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT LEAF GLOBAL ARTS This is a very special show with two master musicians from Africa – Adama Dembele from the Ivory Coast, and Chinobay of Uganda – who have made WNC their home, and who are deeply connected with LEAF Global Art’s mission of connecting cultures and creating community through music, arts education and experiences, to cultivate curiosity, preserve cultures and promote global understanding. This year-end benefit show, which will also feature other talented local musicians from the Asheville area, is all about supporting this powerful work, and connecting our local and global communities as we celebrate the closing of one year, and the beginning of a new journey around the sun. Learn more about these amazing musicians below, and visit theleaf.org/give to hear more about the work that you’re helping to support by buying a ticket to this event, and becoming a LEAF Member. Chinobay is Uganda’s leading international world musician. He is a singer/songwriter, creative arts producer, educator, multi-instrumentalist and philanthropist whose work has been described as “some of the most exquisite music coming out of Africa today.” For more than 15 years, he has captivated audiences with his soothing rhythms and powerful world-roots-dance melodies that emanate from the diversity of the many traditional instruments he customized to develop his unique sound. His educational and outreach programs are the gateway into Africa through which he introduces Africa’s culture, arts, history and lifestyle rarely covered by mainstream media to global audiences most especially those in schools and colleges. Adama Dembele is a master djembéfola (djembe player) from Ivory Coast, West Africa and tailor of West African clothing, and for 12+ years Adama is a leading Master Teaching Artists with LEAF Global Arts! Adama come from a family of musicians for 33 generations, and has toured several continents with various major acts such Oumou Sangare, Salif Keita & many others. Adama has created and played in several drum and dance companies such as Yelemba d’Abidjan, Ensemble Koteba, Congoba and many more. You can play drums with Adama most Saturdays 12-2at his Yala! at LEAF Global Arts downtown Asheville. “When I share my culture, I am representing all of my family of drummers, storytellers and culture keepers in Ivory Coast and Mali. I am grateful to have a place to share my culture with so many great people. This means everything to me and the future.” – Adama
An Evening With Chikomo Marimba
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYCHIKOMO MARIMBA Chikomo Marimba is a lively and extremely danceable world percussion ensemble based in Asheville, NC. They have been playing around the southeast for over a decade, and have become known for their high energy, tight arrangements, infectiously joyful grooves, and unique sound. Chikomo Marimba offers a blend of traditional tunes from Zimbabwe interspersed with African-inspired dance music, played on large hand-hewn wooden marimbas and accompanied by drum kit and percussion. Their polyrhythmic sounds and irresistible grooves get people of all ages shaking their bodies!