West African & Afro-Cuban Master Series
Drum, Percussion & Song Workshop
Including Rhythms & Songs of:
West Africa: Yoruba (Nigeria) – Fon (DanXome) – Bambara/Dogon (Mali) – Malinke (Guinee) – Mandinka (Gambia) – Djola (Cassamance).
Cuba: Abakua, Bantu, Lukumi, Arara, Ijesha & Rumba Of Havana and Matanzas Cuba.
Chief Yagbe will teach the fundamentals of Afro-Cuban music and culture through sacred stories, rhythms and songs. He will share with us the teachings of the ancestors from the musical roots of West Africa and its migration into Latin America, particularly, Cuba, Brazil and Haiti. Chief Yagbe is a Babalawo, literally meaning “father or master of the mysticism”, in the Yoruba language. He is a distinguished drummer singer/composer and master diviner. Born in Cayes, Haiti, Chief Yagbe has studied music and culture beginning as a child protege in the Vodun shrines. He is the recipient of many important international honors including the highest title bestowed on skilled drummers dedicated to the Yoruba religious traditions
of Cuba, “Oba Ilu”, King of the Drums. From Nigeria, Africa, “Agba Awo Ile Ife,”- “the elders of the diviners of the earth that spread”,
the most consecrated position to a diviner in the Yoruba tradition.
*This is an essential class for anyone who studies African-rooted dance, led by the drum. Participants MUST bring a pair of drum sticks (even if you only plan to sing, which is acceptable for this workshop) and any instruments of choice including, Bell, Shekere, Congas, Djembe, etc.
~Suggested to bring a notebook and recording device of any kind~
June 21 – July 26 (6 Consecutive Weeks)
Every Thursday from 6:00 – 7:25 pm
The 418 Project 418 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Series: $75 (one class free, pay at first class) • Drop In: $15
(cash only – no checks accepted)
Call Marsea Marquis for more information at 831.206.0542
Here’s the flyer we created for the series:
