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World Music from West Africa Comes to Weis Center in Free Performance

West African singer, guitarist, percussionist, and dancer Okaidja Afroso will perform as a Trio on Thursday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Weis Center Atrium. This is a free performance and tickets are not required.

Okaidja will be joined by Boinor Titus Nartey and Manavihare Fiaindratovo on percussion and vocals.

There will be a free talk with the artist on the same day as the performance at 2:30 p.m. in the Weis Center Atrium.

Born into a family of musicians and storytellers in the village of Kokrobite on the west coast of Ghana, Okaidja Afroso is a singer, guitarist, percussionist, and dancer deeply connected to the musical traditions of the African Diaspora and devoted to bringing together diverse modes of expression in pursuit of global harmony.

His four albums, most recently The Palm Wine Sea, chart a journey from his past as a vocalist, percussionist and dancer with the Ghana Dance Ensemble and Obo Addy through to the present, as a confident and mature songwriter and collaborator. His songs call back to the sounds of his youth, illuminating them with the experiences and wonder of a curious traveler, never resting and always seeking.

Okaidja says, “My music preserves my West African roots while embracing diverse cross-cultural influences and styles. I strive to create a rhythmic fusion of old and new that presents a fresh sound that preserves the authenticity of the traditional while embracing the rich complexity of the integrated world we inhabit today. In my workshops and performances I explore how my ancestor’s traditions have persevered and been reshaped in a contemporary version of the African oral tradition. The complex compositions, soulful vocals, and spirited dancing combine to create an unforgettable and unique experience.”

LA Dance Review says, “One of the undeniable highlights of the evening was the live music performed by Okaidja Afroso. His voice, guitar, and percussion instruments blended into a landscape that was transcendent.”

For more information about the Weis Center for the Performing Arts, go to www.bucknell.edu/WeisCenter or search for the Weis Center on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. 

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