Cultural Understanding Through Traditional Music and Arts

Kpani Addy; Master Musician
Riggy Enterprises
Ga Gbeke Bii Children of Ghana CultureTroupe
Kpani Addy Master Musician
Visit Ghana and stay at the Culture Club Hotel
Kpani's Community Projects

Kpani playing Brekete drum
KpaniBrekete.jpg

Kpani Addy is the grandson of Okanfo Akoto, who was a Wonche priest of the Ga peoples of coastal Ghana. Born into a traditional "house of drumming," the music and dance accompanying his grandfather's ritual ceremonies were an integral part of Kpani's development as a drummer and dancer.
His professional career began at the age of twelve, dancing in his father's group. As his talent developed, he played with a variety of popular groups and eventually led his own. Brought to the United States in 1986 by his father to play with his troupe, ODADA,he then toured Japan, Canada, and the US.
While living in Portland, Oregon, Mr. Addy started a solo career establishing his own traditional drum and dance troupe and High Life band and developing himself as a talented choreographer  and composer as well as performer. He emerged as a gifted teacher as well, working in schools and providing workshops to all ages. Kpani has "a knack" for communicating the feeling and spirit of his vibrant traditional heritage with authority and compassion.

Kpaniwithpreschooldrummers.jpg

PERCUSSION, COMPOSER/ARRANGER, LEADER
Kpani Addy
As well as performing, Mr. Addy has been teaching drumming and dance in Oregon and Illinois since 1991. Over the last 17 years he has performed and taught traditional Ghanaian music throughout Oregon, the Western and Mid-Western United States, and Washington DC. He has been an artist-in residence with both the Oregon and Washington State Arts Commission.




Collageofteachingperforming.jpg

Click here to Listen to Sweet & Bad High Life Music Sample

 
 
 
 
 

 

For promotional materials or to arrange performances and workshops Contact:

 kpaniiaddy@yahoo.com

Services available:

  • Performance of Traditional Ghanaian Music & Dance
  • African Drum or Dance classes for adults & children
  • Traditional Percussion Instrument Making
  • Traditional Tie & Dye
  • Music and Culture Camps for children and adults

 

MainSt.NightsMarqueeHeadLiner.jpg

Kpani's background Vocalists/Dancers:

Cypress Knighthas been a student of dance since the age of five. Since 1998 she has been training in Ghanaian dance with Kpani Addy. In the early 1970’s Ms Knight studied modern and interpretive dance at Goddard College in Vermont and the University of Washington in Seattle. At the U of W she also studied and performed the traditional dances of Zimbabwe, taught by native musician Dumisani Maraire “Dumi”.  She has performed in Mr. Addy’s traditional dance and drum group “Kolomashi” since 2000 and accompanied him in presenting programs to preschools, elementary schools, and prisons as well as local festivals and shows. In February 2002 she completed a seven-week dance intensive with master dancers in Ghana, West Africa with the Traditional Drum & Dance Company Ga Gbeke Bii. 

Cypress Knight began working in the first War On Poverty Head Start programs in the United States in 1969, completing an AA degree in ECE and then a BA degree in Education and Spanish. She has been dedicated to youth education and social justice causes since that time working for the quality care and education of migrant farm worker's children as well as other impoverished groups. Her talents as a teacher and organizer harmonize with Mr. Addy's youth efforts & training programs.

  Comice Addybegan studying traditional African dance from Kpani Addy in 1998.  As a child she was very shy, but Kpani's patience and encouraging style of teaching made her blossom into a beautiful performer and teacher.  She has performed in Mr. Addy’s group “Kolomashi”since 2000, and accompanied him in teaching and performing for preschools, elementary schools, and prisons as well as local festivals and shows. She has been to Ghana many times and serves as the lead female dancer and disciplinary for Ga Gbeke Bii.   Comice also teaches the children about STD's and basic health care.   Cooking being one of her many gifts, she helped to develop a self-sustaining baking business for Ga Gbeke Bii to support themselves and learn business skills.  She says, "I love Ga Gbeke Bii and that is why I put my heart, soul and all my money into taking care of them-- but the truth is that they have helped me more than I can ever give back. They know how to live!  Their spirit is inspiring, and they have a true respect for life that I didn't know about before.  I am forever grateful for that!"

  

click here to play video of Comice

click here to play video of Cypress

 

ATTENTION INTERESTED

MUSICIANS & DANCERS of ILLINOIS

Starting up a New High Life Band in Chicago!

SWEET & BAD Band is reorganizing in the Mid-West! We need guitar, bass guitar, saxaphone and keyboard and Dancers.  High Life music experience not necessary. Contact us by writing to  Kpaniiaddy@yahoo.com  or call (708) 503-6942