Bronx Museum Celebrates Africanismo

A very special program of performances from the Bronx Museum, called Africanismo! thrilled an audience on Friday evening of August 1st. The program took place outdoors, across the street from the Museum at the Andrew Freeman Home at 1125 Grand Concourse at McClellan Street. “Africanismo" in this case, is the music and culture of such West African nations as Guinea and Senegal. Luckily, the summer weather was perfect, with no rain and moderate temperatures. As the crowd slowly gathered after 6 pm, people stretched out on the lawn, on blankets, some bringing their own beach chairs. The Afrokinetic DJ Chris Annibel was spinning tracks, with lots of drums and sort of jazzy sounds, with one track having a man rap, “the rhythm we feel is in our souls.”

The event was opened by Ms. Holly Block, the Executive Director of the Bronx Museum, who thanked the performers and the Andrew Freeman Home for making the event possible. There were also brief remarks by Mr. Rico Speight of the African film festival, a New York non-profit organization, sponsor of the films shown, see http://www.africanfilmny.org/aff_inc.html Next, Michael Markus and Magbana Drum and Dance NYC took over the stage. Their percussive set of four drummers gave out an intense feeling of a pure driving, African beat. Later, a Marimba or xylophone-type instrument and dancers joined the drummers. The Magbana group combines West African music and percussion with dance and even martial arts. Their quick and lively dancing and at times singing rounds out their music and drumming. The ensemble includes members from Africa and the United States of different racial backgrounds. Their authentic instruments and black, gold and colorful native costumes make clear all of the musicians’ dedication to West African music of Guinean origin. For more on this exciting group, and a videotape of their performance, see http://www.magbana.com.

Two films were shown as well, both from Senegal in West Africa, in the Wolof language, with English subtitles. The first film is entitled, “The Little Girl Who Sold the Sun.” and is about a handicapped girl who sells the national newspaper of Senegal, Le Soleil on street corners. It is an interesting study of the lives of children who live on the streets in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, and their struggle to improve themselves and survive. The film is directed by Djibril Diop Mabety, and lasted 45 minutes. The second film was a bit shorter and gives some of the background of Djibril Diop Mabety, the director of “The Little Girl Who Sold the Sun.” The director of this film, Papa Madieye Mbye, shows the viewers a look at one of the most important African filmmakers of the last century.

It was a pleasure to be on the grounds of the Andrew Freeman Home, a large classical building, and once a luxurious home for elderly people. Now it is a historical attraction and also a place for events and parties, and community services both for the elderly and children in the Headstart Program. For information on the Home, call 718-293-8100.