West African Drummers to Perform at International African American Museum

West African Drummers to Perform at International African American Museum

The International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston, South Carolina, is set to present a lively West African drumming experience as it kicks off its summer Keys & Conversations programming in April. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 6, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Leading the performance are the Amen-Ra Drummers, featuring Marwan Amen-Ra and Chi Amen-Ra. The duo is known for their versatile performances encompassing traditional West African djembe music and other genres originating from the African diaspora. Their musical influences span multiple African countries, including Mali, Senegal, and Guinea, as well as dispersed African cultures in areas like the Caribbean, Congo, Haiti, and Cuba.

Keys & Conversations and the Amen-Ra Drummers

The upcoming event is part of IAAM’s Keys & Conversations program, aimed at promoting engagement between musicians and the audience over a diverse range of musical topics. The program targets both families and young people, inspiring them through the live performances and enabling them to connect the displayed songs and themes with historical narratives.

In line with this, the Amen-Ra drummers will anchor their performance in a dialogue about West African rhythms and their significant influence on contemporary American music. This integrative approach underlines the museum’s commitment to fostering an understanding of the historical and cultural ties that have shaped America’s diverse music scene.

Event Details

The event is slated to take place at the museum’s West Yard, located at 14 Wharfside Street. Admission to the event has been set at $20 for adults and $10 for children. Notably, IAAM members will receive a $5 discount on each ticket purchased. Those interested in attending can register and purchase tickets online.

About International African American Museum

The International African American Museum is a landmark institution dedicated to illuminating the rich, complex history of African Americans and African diaspora communities. It serves as a platform that provides minorities and communities of color a voice to share their perspectives on news, issues, and current events, and offers resources to empower these communities to enact change. With its diverse programming and exhibitions, the IAAM consistently seeks to foster understanding, bring about discussions, and celebrate cultural diversity.

In addition to celebrating cultural diversity, the upcoming performance by the Amen-Ra Drummers signifies an opportunity for the museum goers to engage in a firsthand exploration of how West African rhythms have influenced and continue to shape American popular music.