EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS with AfricaNashville
Join us for a mixture of musical foundation techniques accompanied by live percussion, along with an overview of West African culture. Topics covered will be the origins of their instruments, what is a Yeli (or, Griot), how many generations of Yeli in their families, etc…followed by a Q&A with the artists.
(All Ages/45-90 mins)
Lecture Demonstrations w/ Audience Participation
Includes a presentation of all of the instruments intermingled with demonstrations. Audience members can learn to sing along in the Susu language, learn corresponding movements and rhythms, and eventually improvise with the musicians.
(All Ages/90-120 mins)
AfricaNashville Workshop Testimonials
I am super excited to see everyone here in Nashville. We will get to live the full African experience in dance and music. These artists are top quality and offer a unique point of view concerning West African culture. Due to their international experiences they adapt easily to their audience and can teach any level of student with ease. Both in France and in Africa, I found myself constantly learning and improving with them!
— Zaya Moutou
“The Yeli Ensemble and Windship Boyd provide an incredible and immersive experience, celebrating West African dance, drumming, and culture as a whole. Whether it is performing, teaching a master class, or holding a lecture or roundtable, they have a wealth of knowledge to share and our students and community members were excited and engaged to receive. In particular, it was such a joy to see young members of the African American community in Huntsville collaborating with the Yelis, and by extension, exploring their diasporic identity connecting to their African roots. Moreover, Windship Boyd is a skilled organizer who can adapt to all of your campus programming needs. The Yeli Ensemble will transform your campus life, community, and your students.”
— Dr. Dylan Baun, Associate Professor of HIstory, University of Alabama in Huntsville
Having trained with Dho and Ibro in Senegal, I am so excited for the opportunity to host them in Nashville. They are truly world class artists with such rich gifts to share with us all. Their visit will exemplify the dynamic, diverse, and thriving art and music scene of Nashville. What a gift!