| AFRICAN ARTS SOLUTIONS | EVERYTHING FREE STORE | |||
| BAOBAB INTERNATIONAL |
KENGMO broadens participant’s perspectives of the arts by exposure to authentic Central African art forms: the Music, Stories and Dance of daily life. Through performance, positive messages from the heart, individual assistance and anecdotes, participants gain an understanding of the traditional art as a reflection of self, community, and education. Kengmo helps participants open up in the ways that they can experience more joy, express thoughts, feelings and stimulate their creativity. They discover how traditional music and dance depicts daily tasks integral to the sustenance of the community, how it celebrates rites of passage, and how it dramatizes stories and proverbs that pass on wisdom through the ages.
Kengmo weaves in explanations that help relate the foreign and unfamiliar to American ways. This assists in banishing stereotypes of Africa and imparts a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity. Teachers and students find the seeds of traditional wisdom spread among them and their respect for self and others reinforced. Open and short discussions about a variety of topics, facts, resources, and activity suggestions enable more in-depth understanding through out each event.
Kengmo's intent is for participants to see within the rich heritage of Cameroon and Central Africa some of the most important qualities of life: self-expression, rhythm, vitality, meaning, and connection to the Earth and to others. Performances, workshops, classes during each residence are designed to be highly interactive, educational joyous, energetic, inspiring, and challenging. It includes music on a variety of Central African authentic musical instruments made by Kengmo’s Elders in Cameroon, Storytelling, Dancing, Acting, Miming, Chanting and improvisation.
The short 4–5 day residency program (approximately 3–4 hours per day) includes an abbreviated teacher workshop, classroom visits, dance workshops with selected students and a performance. The longer 2–10 week residency program is designed to suit the needs of the interested institution. The fee is adjusted accordingly.
Residencies are geared to appropriately address and best serve each school or community population. A detailed schedule of activities is preconceived and agreed upon by both Kengmo and the school, the organization hosting the residence.
Detailed outlines of residency programs are available.
"Anyone watching Kengmo will sense the importance of experiencing the rich culture and tradition that are at the roots of his performances."
—Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC
Click here for fees and information.
| AFRICAN ARTS SOLUTIONS | EVERYTHING FREE STORE | |||
| BAOBAB INTERNATIONAL |