Voices of Africa
As eclectic sounds and vibrant costumes invaded Festival Concert Hall, students got to their feet, clapping, singing and dancing to the music.
The energy in the hall was palpable.
An all-women, a cappella and percussion ensemble, Voices of Africa, brought African culture to NDSU Thursday night through native instruments, cultural dances and vibrant costumes.
Unique blends of instruments and beautiful voices captured the dynamic African culture.
Voices of Africa is composed of four women: Nana Akosua Baakan Agyiriulah, founder and managing director of the ensemble; Zakiyyah Mckelvin, assistant managing director and Agyiriulah’s daughter; Blanche Baxter, executive assistant; and Adua Tacheampong, musical director and also Agyiriulah’s daughter.
The group told a story of its native land through song and dance. The women created captivating music with unique instruments, such as the sekere, sakara (better known as double-headed bells), sangba drums and the agogo, which is also a drum.
The most captivating part of the performance, though, involved the audience. The women told a story of a train in their native land of Africa that brought to life the sounds and emotions as the train passed through. Further captivating the audience through jokes and stories, Agyiriulah made her audience feel at ease and more willing to participate in the creation of the sweet music.
By the end of the performance, some members of the audience had made their way onto the stage, becoming one with the music and moving in time to the rhythmic beats.
The group doesn’t find its only fans at NDSU. Voices of Africa is a unique, internationally acclaimed a cappella and percussion group composed of women providing a powerful, “soul-stirring performance” through distinctive harmonies and percussion routines, according to the group’s Web site, www.voicesofafrica.net.