Sankofa Speaks through Music, Movement and Memory
Sankofa is an Akan Ghanaian word meaning to go or return and retrieve what was lost. Uniting Voices Chicago continues its commitment to rigorous performance education and visibility of authentic Africana music as we elevate the next generation of global thinkers. Our concert celebration will include music and freedom movements from Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Trinidad and Tobago and South Africa, plus a rich legacy of African American music from the United States. Special guests include master djembekhan Sekou Conde and renowned soprano Audrey DuBois Harris.
This event is not open to the public. We'd be thrilled to welcome you at our next public pillar event, Paint the Town Red, on May 25, 2023
Throughout his life, Sekou Tepaka Lunda Conde has placed himself as a relentless student of traditional Malinke culture, history, values and folklore. His studies are steeped in apprenticeships with many of the greats of his homeland Africa and America. Starting with Muntu Dance Theatre in 1978, with intense training in the art of West African drumming and culture. His West African drumming education placed him at the feet of many masters, beginning with Babu Atiba and Moshe Milon of Muntu Dance Theatre, on to Grand Master teachers as Mamady Keita, Famoudou Konate, Abdoul Doumbiya, Moussa Traore, Laurent Camara and Babara Bangoura. Sekou draws off of the power and teachings of them all. Together the teachings were a remarkable force that gave him a well rounded approach to the djembe and an extensive insight into the musical culture of the Mandingue. Sekou is tremendously humbled by the knowledge imparted on him by these Master drummers and djembe players. The teachings given to him have been his inspiration to remain humble, consistently studious and the fortitude to preserve the ancient Djembe musical culture. Learn more about Sekou Tepaka Lunda Conde.
Audrey DuBois Harris’ rich and diverse repertoire encompasses opera, classical, jazz, oratorio, sacred songs, gospel and inspirational hymns. With a vocal range that moves from the depth of a mezzo-soprano to the highs of a full lyric soprano, DuBois Harris performs in a majestic and spirit-affirming style reminiscent of some of our most treasured classical artists, including Leontyne Price, Marian Anderson, Jessye Norman, Kathleen Battle and Gospel great Mahalia Jackson. Learn more about Audrey DuBois Harris.
Black History Month Concert Series 2023 is sponsored in part by Amazon, Richard L. Duchossois Memorial Foundation, Jackson Legacy Foundation and Jamie & Brian Vandenberg.