Programs
DanceAfrica 2014
DanceAfrica—the nation’s largest festival dedicated to African dance—returns for its 37th year, bringing together performance, art, film, and an array of community events for an exhilarating celebration of culture from Africa and its diaspora.
This year, the spotlight shines on Madagascar-based music and dance troupe Bakomanga, making its US debut. Led by Malagasy music star Mariette Rasoarinala, Bakomanga embraces a rich variety of indigenous cultural forms, using jubilant drum- and accordion-driven music and movement to honor its ancestors, usher in the harvest, and preserve tradition. Catch them and select New York State artists in the annual Memorial Day weekend performances, hosted by Baba Chuck Davis. And don’t miss the DanceAfrica Opening Celebration, the one-and-only outdoor bazaar, and many other events. Ago! Amee!
DanceAfrica is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature
Chuck Davis (1937—2017) was the founding artistic director of DanceAfrica.
BAM/Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble celebrates ancestral roots and the modern-day community.
An internationally awarded artist, Okore was recently featured in Sculpture magazine.
The Malagasy-Canadian guitarist combines folk and blues in his own award-winning style.
Bakomanga has performed in Japan, France, La Reunion, and Gabon.
Artistic Director Yao Ababio founded Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater in 2001.
This Buffalo-based organization draws on Senegalese dance and drum traditions.
Hanitrarivo Rasoanaivo is a star in the Malagasy music scene.
The festival kicks off with Madagascar’s Groupe Bakomanga and guitarist Madagascar Slim.
BAM’s annual festival of African dance welcomes Madagascar-based troupe Bakomanga.
Vendors from around the world transform Fort Greene into a global marketplace.
Free performances by students to welcome this year’s visiting company, Groupe Bakomanaga.
The festival kicks off with a libation ceremony, music, and dance to honor the ancestors.
This cinematic companion to BAM’s DanceAfrica celebrates the best in African film.
A panoply of artists pay homage to the pioneering African-American writer and activist.
This funk ensemble makes Fela Kuti-style, Afrobeat-meets-tribal-house jams.
DJ Ian Friday delivers a groove-heavy set of house, soul, Afrobeat, jazz, and world music.
College scholarships are awarded to select BAM Education students in this celebratory event.
Members of the visiting company Groupe Bakomanga lead a workshop in dance and music.
Members of the visiting company Groupe Bakomanga lead a workshop in dance and music.
DanceAfrica visual artist Nnenna Okore discusses and demonstrates her sculptural process.
Learn African music and dance from mbira master Chartwell Dutiro.