FOR THE RECORD: Group sounds off
By Manuel Garcia-Sanchez
As a part of Black History Month, SGA co-sponsored a female musical group on February 27 called Adaawe. The band started the show with the introduction, “This is Adaawe. This is music from Africa, from America. Spirit sent. Heart felt. This is skin on skin, wood on wood, voices on air. The first heartbeat: Reality. Put your ear to Earth and listen. This is Adaawe.”
About 50 people enjoyed Adaawe’s drumming, singing, and dancing. The band played many instruments that seemed to talk both to each other and to the listeners. It was wonderful to see these women play the drums. The sound of bells, djembes, kpanlogos, djun djuns, shekeres, ocean drum and congas captured the audience. The band connected easily and immediately with the audience. The audience identified with the music due to the international language of the art.
Adaawe members encouraged the audience to clap rhythmically, making the mood in the Cultural Center great. Coming from California, Montana, New York, Cuba, Morocco, and Kenya the group is diverse within itself.
The band’s repertoire used English, Spanish, and some African languages. Most of the music was traditional African songs. Music from Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Cuba, and America could be heard.
I found the music dynamic and full of energy. I found myself feeling lucky. I was glad to being there. After listening to their music, I can say they were like rivers flowing into the same ocean: Music.