Urban World

African Currents

African Currents are a cultural dynamic infusion of African artists taking an Avant Garde dancing approach.  It featured eight productions by critical acclaimed artists such as Michel Koakou, Papy Ebotani and Kaolack. 

 

The dramatic pieces featured several themes of what it’s meant to be African in today’s modern multicultural society. The most prominent, intense and interactive performance came from Kaolack, who not only expressed his frustration on the travel limitations to Africans in Africa but what was most surprising and refreshing  was he his interaction with the audience.

 

As he walked through the audience shaking people’s hands he gave a sense of unity to something that could have been more of a voyeuristic experience. I feel this let the audience understand that not only is he a performer and an African, he like everyone else is a person. Showing that the human emotion universal irrespective of race, gender or religion.

 

As we continue through black history Month, African Currents highlights the evolution of Africa and her people. Bringing together a new generation of Africans that have a lot to share, celebrate and inform the world that Africa is more than just a developing continent. As Kaolack so bluntly explained, Africa is so diverse that not one country is the same. Even within one country there are many tribes and cultures. We also saw through Michel Koakou’s performance the desire and need to unite a broken Africa. A performance filled with gracefulness and an unmistakeable amount of passion.

 

The show is a great exploration of African contemporary dancers showcasing the artistic expression s of the new African generation.

 

African Currents premiered at Stratford Circus on October 16^th and 17th