African Music Immersion
with Kinobe and Soul Beat Africa
July 2 - 5, 2009
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Application: pdf msword
Workshop limited to 25 participants
"“When it comes to traditional and contemporary Ugandan music, he is not only one of the youngest flag bearers but also one of the best.” -Jane Musoke-Nteyafas, UG Pulse
“His patience with people makes him a natural teacher ... it is a true joy to learn from him.” - Susan Boudreau, Univ. of Victoria
The African Music Immersion with Kinobe and Soul Beat Africa is a unique opportunity for a small group of musicians to work closely with seven of Uganda’s most talented young performers and teachers. The weekend-long workshop allows participants to study kalimba, kora (for those with previous playing experience), African drumming, singing, and dance in an informal setting. Michael Ouma will also offer an African style guitar workshop and Allan will share his insights into playing bass in African music. Students will develop their understanding of the rich variety of African musical traditions, learn to play new styles and instruments, and experience the exhilaration of playing with this talented African ensemble. Tuition includes a traditional handmade Ugandan kalimba. Other instruments will be available to order before or after the workshop.
About the Artist
An African music experience on the beautiful beach in Duck, North Carolina!
Workshop Schedule
Workshop activities begin with a “meet and greet” dinner Wednesday night (participants may arrive anytime during the day Wednesday, July 1, 2009) and continue through brunch Sunday afternoon, July 5, 2009. The exact schedule will be decided by Kinobe and Soul Beat Africa with input from the workshop participants.Sample Workshop Offerings
Kalimba
The Kalimba (or thumb piano) is a uniquely African instrument, essential to the African musical tradition. It can create beautiful, complex melodies and serve as a delicate percussive element. Daily 2 hour sessions.African Hand Drumming
Kinobe and Soul Beat Africa have traveled all across Africa to study, teach, and perform both East and West African rhythms and percussive techniques. The band includes some of the most highly regarded percussionists in Uganda today. This is an exuberant art, full of swift, intricate patterns for both starting and experienced drummers and an excellent complement to musical ensembles of all kinds.
African Dancing and Singing
These skilled teachers of Ugandan song draw on their experience in African and world music to teach new techniques, styles, and compositions. African singing is communal by nature, an ecstatic, participatory art that involves dance and drums.Kora, Guitar and Bass — by request and with experience.To be scheduled in advance.
More About Kinobe and Soul Beat Africa
Kinobe (pronounced “CHI-NO-BÉ”) is an extraordinary new talent from Uganda whose early abilities in traditional African music quickly garnered acclaim on the world stage. Born in 1983 near Lake Victoria, he began playing music at the age of five, and five years later traveled to the Netherlands with a group of musicians for his first international performance. It was this trip that introduced him to the diversity of musical traditions throughout the world, opening his ears to new sounds, and launching a life-changing interest in world music. In the years that followed, Kinobe traveled the African continent, performing with such figures in African roots music as Toumani Diabate, Youssou N’dour, Salif Keita, Angelique Kidjo, Oliver Mtukudzi, Baaba Maal, Ismael Lo, and many others. He is a lifelong student, teacher, lover, and purveyor of the great diversity of African musical traditions.
In 2007, under the support of CulturesFrance, Kinobe made his first major tour to 18 countries around Africa and the Indian Ocean. He has given solo concerts and workshops on traditional instruments all over Europe. Kinobe will tour the United States in 2009 with his band Soul Beat Africa.
In addition to Kinobe the following members of SOUL BEAT AFRICA will be part of this extraordinary weekend: Ouma Michael- Guitar, adungu, kalimba, vocals, Okia Allan- Bass guitar, bass kalimba, vocals, Sewagudde Richard- Calabash, kalimba, endongo, adungu, vocals, Bakkabulinda Samuel- a specialist in Ugandan traditional rhythms, and perhaps the greatest percussionist in Uganda today- Percussion, Vocals.
Join us and experience the joy of African music!
For artist information, please visit:
For workshop information please contact us:
410-374-9059
mtfarmer@classactsontour.com