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ErnestErnest Borlabi Borketey is the radiantly talented master drummer of Aloha Africa. Formerly with Adjempa, a traditional performing group in Nungua, Ghana, he has toured the US, Canada, Australia, and England with the Kusun Ensemble. Ernest's uncle is king of his village. At festival ceremonies, Ernest is dressed as a king and works with the fetish priest. The clan spirit enters Ernest and gives help to the people, answering questions and protecting them from harm. 808.652.0024 |
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ObuobiRobert Obuobi Ashong is an accomplished guitarist, singer, composer, and percussionist. He is a master of folk Highlife music. Obuobi represented the National Youth Organizing Commission of Ghana to participate in international festivals from Libya to Holland to Moscow. He traveled Europe as a member of Wulomei, one of the leading cultural groups of Ghana, and was based in Germany for 4 years with Kalifi Dance Ensemble. For 7 years he toured the U.S., Canada, and Australia with the Kusun Ensemble. In Ghana, Obuobi recorded with some celebrated Gospel artists and worked in a prominent Charismatic Church as a full-time musician. He now shares his expertise and wisdom on Kauai as senior performer of Aloha Africa. 808.652.2170 |
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Nii AnangAt age 16, Emmanuel Anang was a founding member of the Pan African Orchestra, performing all over Ghana. Later he formed his own group, Adafi Tswalori, and recorded his first CD, Nyon (Slave). In 2002 Nii Anang became a founding member of the original Kusun Ensemble, teaching at the school in Ghana and touring internationally with the ensemble until 2008, when he joined Aloha Africa as performer, dance and drumming teacher, and composer. Nii Anang is an African embodiment of Aloha. Full of love, he inspires and opens hearts with his warm teaching style, beautiful voice, and haunting flute melodies. 808.346.1730
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OusmaneOusmane Sall is a master dancer from Senegal, based in New York. Born into a Griot family, he is a gifted teacher, a powerful drummer, and he flies when he dances. Ousmane blesses Kauai with exuberant, high-energy dance classes and performances. 646-325-6723 |
Anticipated for Aloha Africa 2010 |
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MercyMercy Fofoe Addy performs and teaches traditional dance in Ghana. A founding member of the Aloha Africa ensemble in Ghana, we look forward to hosting Mercy on Kauai next year. |
Aloha Africa hosted 2 dancers during the month of February 2007 |
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IsaacIsaac Allotey was the Ghana National Dance Champion in 2002 and the Guinness Boogy National Dance Champion in 2005. A member of the National Theater of Ghana for ten years, Isaac performed and taught in Guinea, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and in Germany. He has performed for many dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth, Bill Clinton, and Nelson Mandela. Isaac has published research about the origin and meaning of dances from all over Africa. |
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OsendaMichael Adjetey OSENDA was the Northern Regional Hip Hop champion of Ghana in 2000. The oldest of six children, he was given the name Osenda, meaning chief, or family leader. He grew up in his grandmother's small two room house with his mother, her five sisters, and their children and grandchildren. Osenda taught hip hop and danced at parties, weddings, and funerals to bring home food and money. |
