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The Rhythm Is ... Ghana Get You! Enterprises
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Cultural Understanding Through Traditional Music and Arts
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Drummers of Ga Gbeke Bii "Children of Ghana" Culture Troupe Accra Ghana, West Africa
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"We Are GaGbeke Bii!" Multi-talented "Children of Ghana" Click on line below to listen to original composition high life song.
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The Cultural Performance Company, Ga Gbeke Bii "Children of Ghana, was formed in December of 2001 in the coastal city of Accra by Mr. Kpani Addy, Master Musician from the renowned Addy family of Accra. They are recognized by the Centre for National Culture’s Greater Accra Regional Dance Association of Ghana. The words Ga Gbeke Bii translated to English mean the “Children of Ghana”. The Cultural Performance Company is comprised of thirty teenagers and pre-teens from the ghetto of Accra Central. Professional musicians, dancers, and acrobats direct, train and perform with the youth. There are a total of fifty company members. Their performances include acrobatics and dramatic presentations of cultural events as well as traditional ceremonial music and dance. The troupe performs as an entire company or in smaller units depending on the preference of the venue.
Ga Gbeke Bii “Children of Ghana” emanate the Ghanaian values of deep respect, dedication and enthusiasm. Their dedication to the authentic traditional music and performing arts of Ghana has manifested it’s self in powerful and exciting presentations. In the first year of existence the troupe earned notoriety throughout the capital city of Accra and the surrounding area. Traditional medicine people having witnessed their performances have offered support by further training them in many of the ancient dances, songs and ceremonies.
This Traditional Drum and Dance Troupe is sure to inspire and please audiences throughout the United States, Africa, Asia and Europe. They perform for festivals, schools and universities as well as at Performing Arts Centers. The brilliant joyful music, dance, and costuming of Ga Gbeke Bii elevate the audiences awareness of the beauty and value of diversity in our world.
Mr. Addy and his staff are talented and accomplished teachers. They provide drum and dance workshops and institutes for both children and adults of all ages and abilities.
The troupe is comprised of youth from the getto of Accra Central and range from age 11 to 22 years old. The youth train and perform with master drummers, dancers and acrobats who have donnated their time to teaching them the ancient musical arts of Ghana. A tutor provides the group with daily lessons in basic reading, writing and math. Long hours of rehearsal six days a week have paid off in the creation of an outstanding troupe who possess something quite remarkable and positive to share with the world.
They perform both ritual and social traditional music using a variety of percussion instruments and solid harmonies. They also perform Traditional High Life music called Osibisaba. This highly danceable, lively music was first developed in West Africa and is also known as World Beat.
The troupe's powerful and joyful performances are both entertaining and motivating. They have gained considerable recognition throughout Greater Accra region having performed for Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor and at numerous cultural events in and around the capital. The troupe also sponsor and perform for HIV /Aids Awareness Dance and Music Competitions that Mr. Addy organizes.
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Ga Gbeke Bii youth singers singing Traditional Osibisaba.
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Youth Dancers and Drummers of Ga Gbeke Bii "Children of Ghana" with founder Mr. Kpani Addy (left in white Tshirt) and Troupe Manager and Academics Teacher "CC" Nii Armah Hammond (right back in white Tshirt)
For Promotional Package including Videos & CD or to arrange Performances, Tours & Workshops CONTACT: Cypress Knight, Business Manager cypressnightss@yahoo.com (708) 503-6942
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Sikasou Acrobatic and Dancing Group has joined in performances with members of the “Children of Ghana” to create an exceptional presentation of modern and traditional performing arts of West Africa. Their combined performances weave together awe inspiring acrobatics, amazing contortionism, and fire eating with ancient traditional dances that are accompanied by polyrhythmic drumming and singing. And then, hold on for some lively modern “street dancing” that will set your soul on fire. Hip hoppers, break dancers, and krumpers- you ain’t seen nothing yet! And just like the famous woven Kente Cloth of Ghana, the overall result is a beautiful and uplifting musical and visual feast for the ear, eye and heart.
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