African American Roots Ensemble

Last semester I was able to join the African American Roots Ensemble, which is part of the Contemporary Improvisation Department at the NEC. I was also really excited that the ensemble performed a Kenyan hymn, 'Nimerudi Mashambani', that the Nairobi Chamber Chorus taught the Loruvani and Makumira choirs during the workshop last April. Unfortunately I was in Venezuela for the performance, but glad to have made a small contribution to the group's awareness of East African music.

Part of our rehearsals included preparing for a joint performance with the Agbekor Society from Tufts University. We collaborated on songs that involved a mixture of solos by Nani Agbeli, dancing, and choir singing. It was a challenge to hear each other sing and keep together whilst just behind a group of drummers playing their hearts out! The final product was absolutely exhilarating, with so much energy and vibrancy. It was such a great chance to perform and do some dancing on the Jordan Hall stage too! Below shows myself with other backing singers and Nedelka of the CI faculty for Fela Kuti's Shuffering and Shmiling.