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- Profile of
- Nicholas Kotei
Djanie
- Ghana
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- Kotei Djanie is an
experienced drummer, musician, dancer and instructor, with an
impressive record of performances and collaborations in Ghana
and other African countries. Popularly known as 'Africa' because
of his love for African traditional clothing and culture, Kotei
is an enthusiastic and dynamic performer and instructor who has
been moving from strength to strength in his cultural career.
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- He began performing
at a very young age, and was mentored by Nii Alabi Bortey as
a young member of the Suade Cultural Troupe. At the age of 10
years, Africa and the Suade Cultural Troupe won first prize in
the traditional drum and dance category at the Kiddafest youth
festival. In 1997
Africa was selected to join the Ghana Dance Factory, a national
youth dance company which fuses traditional dance with some contemporary
elements. He was soon promoted to the position of Chief drummer
of the group, and travelled for performances and workshops in
Namibia, Togo, Benin and Zimbabwe in subsequent years.
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- Africa has performed
with various cultural groups for many official state functions,
such as the visits of US President Clinton, SA President Mbeki,
Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh. He has also collaborated with various
popular contemporary artists, including Kojo Antwi, Daddy Lumba,
Afro Moses, as well as the acclaimed Ghanaian divine drummer,
Kofi Ghanaba. During
the late 90s, Africa formed the Nokoyejen Cultural Group, as
well as performing with the following groups: African Heritage,
Steel Pulse (international collaboration), Adishiman, Dance Factory,
Okuku Segbeni, Nokoyejen, Lakoeje and the Suade Cultural Troupe.
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- Africa's strength
lies in his dynamism and versatility. He is able to perform and
teach traditional dance, while also fusing in modern elements
in order to communicate social messages through his choreography.
As a musician, he is not only a percussionist, but also plays
the atenteben flute, xylophone (gyile), ashiwa, cow horn and
two-stringed calabash guitar.
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- Africa's talent has
been fostered through guidance by Ghana's top cultural figures,
including Nii Yartey (Ghana Dance Ensemble), Adjetey Sowah (former
national dance chamption) and Professor Kormla Amuaku (Centre
for African Music and Dance, University of Ghana).
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- Grateful for the
training that he received under the early guidance of Nii Alabi
of the Suade Cultural Troupe, Africa now assists in building
the foundation for the next generation of drummers and dancers,
by assisting Nii Alabi with teaching and choreographing the group's
repertoire. He also assists African Bez'alel in teaching visiting
international students drumming and dancing. "I am a young tree and still have
a lot of fruit to give," says Africa. "I hope for long
life and wisdom to be able to achieve my aim."
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- For us at Marimba
House we look forward to spending time with this incredible man
who's boundless energy and love affects everyone who has the
privilage of attending one of his workshops.
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- Marimba House Sept
2001
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