Wednesday, January 30, 2013

New Article from VOA News


Mali's Star Musicians Unite Against Islamists




"...Despite efforts to silence the sounds of Mali – whether by torching musical instruments or threatening concert goers – Kouyate says rebels are faced with a losing battle.

'If someone wants to stop Malian music, that’s like he wants to stop the heart of Mali,' he says. 'It’s not possible. You can’t stop Malian music.'"

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

DEVIOUS of The GR818ERS to join Rhythm of Change 2013





ROC 2013 is proud to announce yet another outstanding guest artist to attend this year's festival: DEVIOUS of THE GR818ERS.

Based out of Southern California (area code 818), Devious and his coalition of Hip Hop artists produce workshops, performances, and events that aim to use foundational elements of Hip Hop culture to empower youth and improve racial and cultural relations in underserved communities in L.A. and across the U.S. The GR818ERS utilize dance, visual art, and music to teach constructive self-expression, tolerance, non-violence, and principles of diversity in communities most at risk for gang culture, drug abuse, and poverty. 

Devious (Lorenzo Chapman) is an accomplished dancer who has performed widely. He will join Project 401 and additional guest artists from L.A. in putting on a Cypher Jam for dancers, rappers, musicians, and movers on Saturday and Sunday of ROC in Sayles Hall.

Get a taste for Devious' moves here, then join us at ROC 2013 to see and work with him in person!







Thursday, January 24, 2013

Malian Rapper Amkoullel to join Brown's Mande class on March 12th


Amkoullel is a popular rapper and spoken word artist who has received a stream of media attention from the New York Times and NPR over the last month as his fight against censorship by Mali’s new government has become a global symbol of the country’s ongoing political crisis. Amkoullel began receiving death threats from the government upon releasing his hit single, “S.O.S.” This efficacious call to action begs the international community to respond to the Malian crisis before it is too late and pleads with the youth of Mali to wake up from the complacency that the artist sees as one of the country’s root problems. 


We are overjoyed that Amkoullel will join Brown's Mande dance class as a guest artist this March. Listen to Amkoullel's music here.


Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Announcing Festival Artists


AFRICAN PERFORMING ARTISTS

Seydou Coulibaly, Malian Dance, Drumming & Song
Moussa Traore, Djembe Drumming
Souleymane Sana, Malian Dance
Kofi Atsimevu, Malian Drumming
Munir Richard, Malian Drumming
Themba Mkhatshwa, Malian Drumming

 



















AMERICAN ARTISTS, GROUPS, & SCHOLARS

Fulano Cubano, Afro-Cuban Dance & Percussion
Bill Ferri, Bass and Percussion
New Works / World Traditions, Cross-cultural Dance & Performance
Matthew Garza, Theater and Music Education
Project 401, Hip-Hop Dance
Grisselle Escotto, Afro-Cuban Dance




AND INTRODUCING INTERNATIONAL VISITING ARTISTS FROM MALI 
Dieneba Seck and Seykou Kouyate, Malian Song




Sunday, January 20, 2013

SAVE THE DATES!


SAVE THE DATES

Get us on your calendar!  This year's festival will begin with an opening ceremony on Friday, February 22, continue with workshops and lectures all day Saturday the 23rd, and close on Sunday the 24th after another full-day of workshops.

Artists and scholars have been invited from throughout the US, Africa, and the diaspora.  Classes will include djembe drumming, West African dance, Afro-Cuban dance, song, yoga, and much more, as well as discussions about arts in social activism and cultural preservation initiatives.

Stay tuned! THE FESTIVAL IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
For information on last year's festival at Brown go to: http://rhythmofchange2012.blogspot.com