Akwaba

Brief Biography

The Akan people of Ivory Coast welcome visitors with “akwaba”. The word also reflects the philosophy of the Akwaba troupe, whose goal is to raise awareness of West Africa’s rich histories of dance and music, and bring people together through African culture. Their performance at Mariposa will be a succession of traditional African rhythms and dances, marking the abundance of the harvest or the hunt, and reflecting on man's link to the supernatural. This spiritual communication demonstrates that human beings in general, and Africans in particular, can express their liberty and joy of living, by sharing with anyone who is sincere enough to receive it.

ARTIST WEBSITE: akwabacultural.com/Home.php

Akwaba is commonly used word of the Akan people in Ivory Coast of West Africa, meaning “Welcome”, the way of accepting people or visitors, saying that our doors are open for them. In a sense Akwaba reflects the philosophy of this organization whose goal is to raise awareness of West Africa’s rich histories of dance and music, and to bring people together through the common appreciation of Africa’s cultural resources.
Akwaba Was built upon a core curriculum in performing arts, but it also has an educational program through workshop, lecture and class-demonstration within African dance, music and mask history.

The repertory is made up of dance, music, poetry and theatre performance derived from the social, spiritual, historical and political life of African society. This repertory is based on an extraordinary lively people culture.
Akwaba performances are classical African folk arts with rustic charm of African traditional cultures.

Jean Assamoa, a professional dancer, musician, choreographer, comedian, actor, lecturer, Toronto District School Board’s member(Consultant Teacher) and African Fashion Promoter is the Founder and Artistic Director. He has been teaching and performing for over 17 years in Africa, Europe, USA and Canada.

The performance consists of a succession of traditional African rhythmes and dances that mark the abundance of the harvest or of the hunt, and reflect man's link with the supernaturals alternating solo and ensemble dancing.

A communication with the spirit and shows that human being in general and the African in particular can express his/her liberty and his/her joy of living by sharing it with everybody who is sincere. It’s the whole, a way of life, of being you should discover at any price.