Jabali Afrika captures Parkland's energy, spirit
Event a highlight of Black History Month
Briana Stodden
Issue date: 2/12/08 Section: News
The halls of Parkland College were filled with the deep enchanting harmonies of Africa as students, staff, and faculty gathered to hear the sounds of Jabali Afrika during a noon-hour concert on Friday, February 8. This international touring band, skilled in intricate percussion rhythms and wearing traditional tribal costumes, brought out the spirit of African song and dance. Students, staff, faculty and community members filled chairs and lined the walls of the Flag Lounge, as children sat in rows at the feet of the band to observe the performance.
The concert included original compositions with traditional African rhythms-many of which have formed the foundation for modern rock, jazz, and blues. Joseck Asikoye led Parkland in a sensuous love song with a call and response rendition of "Parkland ladies are so fine." Jabali also captured the attention and spirit of childhood, by having the youngest audience members join in a song called "Tree Tree Tree" that the musical group had performed on, Mr. Roger's Neighborhood in 1997. Moved by the spirit in the room the audience raised up their voices like that of a church congregation singing, "We love you. Yes we do. We love you. Yes we do" After the roaring applause, one student cried out, "We want to dance!" The band responded with pulsing rhythms and the children, the students, faculty and staff got on their feet.
Victor Elolo-"Belly Man"-took a break from the congas to teach several college students how to belly dance, delighting the audience with the voluptuous moves. Each student who participated in the lesson took turns showing off their moves as the crowd laughed and applauded. The dancing crowd grew as more and more got up from their seats, inspired by Jabali Afrika's music.
When the performance was over, students rushed up to buy CDs and get autographs from the musicians. The students gave hugs and exchanged email addresses to stay in touch with the band that captured their hearts.
The four-member musical group kept the energy high throughout the performance. Victor Elolo, barefoot with sweat rolling down his face, passionately played the congas and a variety of percussion instruments, even using his elbows if needed. Dumisizwe Bhembe, wearing burlap and sporting dreads, slapped out the throbbing bass lines and rhythms on various traditional instruments, as Joseck Asikoye rolled out the rhythm on his trap set. Justo Asikoye-Joseck's brother-played guitar and a variety of jimbays.
The show entertained and educated the audience on the beautiful and rich culture of Africa and left Parkland's atmosphere infused with their spirit of that great land. Parkland was truly fortunate to experience this talented band with a sound that's not often heard here in the Midwest.
To see more Jabali Afrika, their music "Percussion Discussion" will be appearing on the new PBS show "Road Trip Nation" airing on Sundays. You can visit them on the Web at www.jabaliafrika.com for air times and touring information.
This performance was made possible by the Office of the President and the Black History Month Committee, as part of Black History Month 2008.
The concert included original compositions with traditional African rhythms-many of which have formed the foundation for modern rock, jazz, and blues. Joseck Asikoye led Parkland in a sensuous love song with a call and response rendition of "Parkland ladies are so fine." Jabali also captured the attention and spirit of childhood, by having the youngest audience members join in a song called "Tree Tree Tree" that the musical group had performed on, Mr. Roger's Neighborhood in 1997. Moved by the spirit in the room the audience raised up their voices like that of a church congregation singing, "We love you. Yes we do. We love you. Yes we do" After the roaring applause, one student cried out, "We want to dance!" The band responded with pulsing rhythms and the children, the students, faculty and staff got on their feet.
Victor Elolo-"Belly Man"-took a break from the congas to teach several college students how to belly dance, delighting the audience with the voluptuous moves. Each student who participated in the lesson took turns showing off their moves as the crowd laughed and applauded. The dancing crowd grew as more and more got up from their seats, inspired by Jabali Afrika's music.
When the performance was over, students rushed up to buy CDs and get autographs from the musicians. The students gave hugs and exchanged email addresses to stay in touch with the band that captured their hearts.
The four-member musical group kept the energy high throughout the performance. Victor Elolo, barefoot with sweat rolling down his face, passionately played the congas and a variety of percussion instruments, even using his elbows if needed. Dumisizwe Bhembe, wearing burlap and sporting dreads, slapped out the throbbing bass lines and rhythms on various traditional instruments, as Joseck Asikoye rolled out the rhythm on his trap set. Justo Asikoye-Joseck's brother-played guitar and a variety of jimbays.
The show entertained and educated the audience on the beautiful and rich culture of Africa and left Parkland's atmosphere infused with their spirit of that great land. Parkland was truly fortunate to experience this talented band with a sound that's not often heard here in the Midwest.
To see more Jabali Afrika, their music "Percussion Discussion" will be appearing on the new PBS show "Road Trip Nation" airing on Sundays. You can visit them on the Web at www.jabaliafrika.com for air times and touring information.
This performance was made possible by the Office of the President and the Black History Month Committee, as part of Black History Month 2008.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
John E.
posted 2/12/08 @ 8:51 AM CST
Great job with the photos, slide show and the article, Briana. Thank you very much!
Juno Rouleau
posted 4/20/09 @ 2:44 AM CST
Great .Now i can say thank you!
Declerck Dark
posted 6/21/09 @ 2:59 PM CST
I like articles like this. Great Article! Thanks!
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