Photo courtesy of Afro Caribbean Soul Collctive
Afro Caribbean Soul Collective is a vibrantly diverse cultural arts group that seeks to practice, share, and learn the drum, music, language, and dance styles of the Caribbean and Latin America. Afro Latin aesthetics and movements are at the center of both our social and traditional dancing. We hope to bring respected instructors and teachers to Austin to share their knowledge of rueda casino, rumba cubana, culture, percussion, and various folkloric art forms.
Lannaya Drum & Dance’s mission is to expose and educate audiences to authentic and progressive interpretations of drum and dance of the African Diaspora. Formed in 2000, Lannaya is committed to preserving the vibrant cultural traditions of West Africa through performances that run the gamut from festivals, workshops, public concerts, parties, school assemblies/shows, flash mobs, receptions, and special events. In the Su Su language of Guinea, West Africa, Lannaya means “confidence.” It’s what the ensemble seeks to express in its work and instill in audiences through its performances.
Lannaya has performed at Austin’s Paramount Theater, One World Theater, and many outdoor festivals including Austin City Limits, First Night Austin, Austin New Year, and Austin FanFest (a downtown party celebrating the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix). Lannaya has opened for international headliners like Grupo Fantasma (Grammy award‐winning Austin‐based Latin funk jam band). Since 2008, Lannaya has performed statewide for Texans in their own communities via selection in the Texas Commission on the Arts’ competitive Texas Touring Roster.
FROM THE HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL. PHOTO: THOMAS B. SHEA, FOR THE CHRONICLE, 2014
KoumanKe’le’ African Dance & Drum Ensemble, a Houston based cultural dance company, is a dynamic and energetic performance troupe that presents traditional West, South, and Congolese African Dance and culture and its transitions in this country. KoumanKe’le’ is a Malinke word that translates to “unique.” Comprised of continental Africans and African Americans, KoumanKe’le’ African Dance & Drum Ensemble’s repertoire includes traditional and contemporary dances of Guinea, Mali, Ghana, South Africa, Senegal and the Congo.
With a mission to present, educate and preserve African traditions and culture through quality artistic performances, it has been the goal of the founder of KoumanKe’le’ African Drum & Dance Ensemble, since its creation in 2004, to reconnect current and future generations to the history and traditions of the Diaspora, along with its transitions and current applications through dance, drum and culturally educated performances. Offering adult community dance classes, free children’s dance fitness classes, community arts events, professional culture sharing performances, school presentations, traditional drumming classes, an annual national dance conference and community development, KADDE is truly keeping Houston in time with the drumbeat of the nation.
