An electrifying evening awaits as the Kasumai Africa show returns to Bothell to take the audience on a cultural ride of West African drumming, music and dance.
Griot master Thione Diop returns to the Northshore Performing Arts Center after last season’s sold-out show.
Known for wit, a griot, sometimes called a praise singer, is a West African poet or wandering musician who is the keeper of oral history yet has the ability to extemporize on current events.
Diop brings together an array of performers from Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Benin and South Africa. These musicians, singers and dancers will perform a mixture of traditional rhythms and contemporary influences.
Diop’s drumming will be accompanied by the high-energy, acrobatic choreography and vocals of twins Assane and Ousseynou Kouyate, along with traditional singers and dancers from Siya Manyakanyaka.
The audience will also hear the melodies of the 21-string kora by Karamo Susso, the sound of the balafon by Naby Camara, infectious rhythms of the djembe, tama, sabar and djun djun by Thioko Diagne, Mapathe Diop and Gora Diop.
Dancers and choreographers Etienne Cakpo, Tamika Harris, Fama N’Diaye and Sumaya Diop will also perform.
“Kasumai Africa” kicks off at 2 p.m. with a short film and Africa-inspired food and drink followed by the performance at 3 p.m. Sundayat Northshore Performing Arts Center, 18125 92nd Ave. NE, Bothell.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $10 for youth. Call 425-408-7988 or go to www.npacf.org.
This is family entertainment with children under 5 welcome but no babies in arms.
Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; goffredo@heraldnet.com.
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