Teambeat's African Music Programs for Schools 2008 Tour Sold Out!
Salaka: Sharing the Spirit of Africa
Teambeat presents a well-structured, informative and fun interactive performance by one of West Africa’s top cultural ensembles called “Salaka” which means “Sharing” in Ghana. The performance by authentic African performers imparts African rhythm and culture in an entertaining and educational way. Best of all- it’s hands on!
The Salaka Ensemble
Representing the Salaka Ensemble will be Alima, Sammy and Odai - three talented performers who will be working alongside one of the following: Master Drummer Tuza and Nii Armah. This is a dynamic combination providing a chance to experience African music and culture in a holistic and authentic way.
The Salaka Ensemble (previously known as Noko Yedzen) was formed by Master Drummer Tuza in Ghana in the mid 1990's - when the members were still very young teenagers. Every day after school the group would rehearse, learning rhythms from their local elders and community cultural groups. The name Salaka means "sharing" and the aim was to share traditional knowledge with the younger generation to preserve the rich musical traditions of the community of Nungua.
Salaka quickly grew into a professional and exciting display of culture, performing at festivals, funerals and special events in Accra. Salaka recently performed for President Kufuor at his castle in the capital of Ghana, and were chosen to lead the performances at Ghana's 50th anniversary independence celebrations at Black Star Square (Ghana's national venue). Salaka have won numerous awards and represented their tribe (Ga people) at various national drum and dance competitions.
Master Drummer Tuza is the founder of the Salaka ensemble of Ghana. Whilst teaching the Salaka members every school afternon, Tuza worked and developed his skills with Ghana’s top national cultural troupes. Tuza is now based in Sydney and has over 8 years experience performing at schools across Australia.
Tuza developed the Salaka school show with the aim of sharing his traditional culture with the young generation of Australia, introducing students to African music and giving students an opportunity to get hands on drumming experience in an authentic way as though they were in Africa! Tuza will be joining the Salaka touring artists in NSW, ACT, VIC and WA.
Alima is a light percussion player. She began performing at the age of 12, touring Holland twice with the Ghana Junior All-Stars. She joined Salaka in 2005 and brings a wonderful exuberance to the ensemble.
Sammy was one of Salaka's original members, training in percussion since he was a child. His strength and expertise in his field shine through when he performs.
Odai began playing with the band of the Nungua Apostolic Church when he was a child. As a teenager he joined Salaka becoming another of it's founding members. He has dedicated himself to the ensemble, leading the drumming for the past 15 years. Odai has also worked with the Abladei Group (now based in the UK), performing with them locally and was featured on their CD Mobo Bi.
Nii Armah was born in Teshie, a suburb of Ghana’s capital city, Accra. Under the instruction of Emmanuel Gomado, master drummer, dancer and director of the Odehe Dance Company, Nii Armah developed his skills and became the dance leader for the male members of the group. Nii Armah lived and performed in Turkey for 2 years before moving to Brisbane, where he leads the Papasa group. Nii Armah will be working with Salaka in QLD.
The Performance
Salaka interrelates with various aspects of the syllabus including music, drama, physical education/dance,
geography, history and HSIE.
The show introduces students to an array of traditional African instruments of all shapes and sounds, including the ‘talking drum’, djembe drum, kpanlogo drum, box drum, bells and shakers.
Traditional songs are performed and the purpose and context of the pieces are discussed.
Modern issues affecting children and families in developing African countries are discussed in a positive way through music, from performers who speak from direct experience. This is a beautiful way for students to understand their counterparts on the other side of the world. An understanding of village life and culture is gained by the students from folk tales and stories.
Every student has a turn playing the drums and other instruments and learning an African rhythm.
Salaka is a wonderful fun way to experience and learn about traditional African music and culture with wonderful African musicians.
Teambeat also provides an extensive range of Teacher’s Notes and classroom activities.
The Benefits
- Promotes an understanding of diversity and cultural awareness.
- Experience of rhythm leads to more complex skills in listening, processing information, responding & communicating
- Improves memory and coordination
- Encourages social interaction
- Stimulates and balances left brain / right brain
- Assists in confidence building
- Helps bring out hidden potential
- Enhances imagination & creative thinking
- Excellent release of energy, builds up fitness
Fees
- Cost per person: $4.90
- Min Cost: $686 plus GST (for 140 students or less)
- Suitability: K-12
- Duration: 50-55 minutes