Kusika

Kusika takes its name from the Shona people of Zimbabwe. In their language, “kusika” means “to create.” Kusika is an ensemble dedicated to performing music, dance, and storytelling from Africa and the African Diaspora. Kusika members, both students and community residents, chosen by audition and invitation, perform pieces by students, faculty, and guest artists.

The repertoire includes dance from classical, traditional and contemporary social forms. Along with traditional dance and music, we also share in the art of storytelling, a medium through which history, culture and traditions have been passed from generation to generation in African cultures. Despite the focus on material from Africa and the African Diaspora, Kusika is not a homogeneous group of students. In fact, Kusika, like all the Dance Program’s ensembles, is a home where people of varying backgrounds can share a communal experience of creating and performing music and dance.

Kusika performs concerts every year in collaboration with The Zambezi Marimba Band. Some recent guest artists include:

• Titos and Biza Sompa (The Democratic Republic of the Congo)
• Obo Addy & Okropong (Ghana)
• Bernard Woma (Ghana)
• Jose Carrion (Cuba)
• Members of the National Dance Company of Mozambique and Alport Mhlanga (Zimbabwe)

Artistic Direction: Sandra Burton, KweYao Agyapon and Ernest Brown.