The Northeastern Arts Network Presents the Music and Drumming of Okaidja and Shokoto on Thursday, November 8th at 7:00 pm as part of their Big Sky Concert Series.
Okaidja takes his audiences on a journey to revisit the Africian Diaspora through traditional music, dance and folklore. Shokoto creates innovative music, drawing upon their West African roots and the diverse music of the African Diaspora. Their trio of music is energetic, a family-friendly mixture of world music and drumming that is sure to make your soul sing. Shokoto music is a dynamic fusion of rhythms from Ghana, Brazil, Cuba, Peru, and the Deep South.
Okaidja Afroso was born into a family of singers and songwriters in Ghana. By the age of 19, Okaidja was accepted as a professional musician and dancer for the prestigious Ghana Dance Ensemble at the University of Ghana’s Institute of African Studies. He became well known for his energetic stage presence and excelled in his performances of the Ga fetish songs and dances. Okaidja traveled throughout Germany teaching Ghanaian music and dance. He came back to the Ghana Dance Ensemble in 1998, but not for long. Word about Okaidja’s talent and bright spirit was spreading through the music world.
At the same time, the legendary Obo Addy was looking for fresh, young talent to bring to his group in Portland, Oregon. One day after a grueling rehearsal with the Ensemble, Okaidja walked out of the auditorium and was met by Obo Addy. The two made an instant connection and soon Okaidja was packing his bags to move to the USA to work with Obo’s group, Okropong. Okaidja served as a principal dancer and gave memorable performances with Okropong at major festivals and performance venues such as the Kennedy Center, the Newmark Theater and the WOMAD Festival.
In 2005 Okaidja recorded his first solo album, The Traditionalist. This album is Okaidja’s interpretation of the folkloric songs he grew up singing. The listener is able to experience the rawness and emotions that he feels as he sings about his homeland. He followed with a second album, Obutu Apla. With Obutu Apla, Okaidja ventures away from the strictly traditional. Songs on this album highlight Okaidja’s impressive vocal abilities through his passion-filled lyrics that tell stories about love and life. This album was influenced by Okaidja’s inquiry into the African Diaspora. It contains elements of Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian, Afro-Peruvian, and Blues music.
Season tickets and individual tickets can be purchased at the door for this concert. For concert information contact Candy Markwald 406-488-4155 or Jill Hill 406-489-4304.
The Big Sky Series is made possible in part by the Montana Performing Arts Consortium Presenter Development Program which is supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Montana Arts Council, and legislative grant from Montana’s Cultural Trust and WESTAF.
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