The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is advertising Saurday's concert by the African musical group Kakande as a chance for Bowdoin students to do "something different this weekend."
By blending traditional African instruments with xylophonic talent, African musical group Kakande certainly offers "something different" than the everyday jam band or a cappella concert: an insightful first-hand glimpse into African identity. The group will perform in Morrell Lounge at 8 p.m. Admission is free for all students.
"We are charged not only with bringing mainstream performers to campus, but also with providing Bowdoin's community with new and different events which are culturally enriching. Kakande fits this model perferctly," Megan MacLennan '07, co-chair of CAB, said.
Based in New York, Kakande is comprised of nine members, led by xylophone virtuoso Famoro Dioubate. The band is very active in New York's world music scene, and Kakande headlined the United States' only xylophone music festival in April 2005.
Dioubate is renowed for his unique mastery of the balafon, a kind of African xylophone with gourd resonators. The instrument originates from West Africa and is usually associated with the Susu and Malinke people of Guinea. In West African societies, no women were ever allowed to play it. A balafon is a very old instrument and an African trademark, with a history that can be traced back to 1285, when the Empire of Mali was founded. It is also rooted in the "djeli" tradition?that is, the African bard tradition.
Dioubate himself is called a "griot," a traditional African musician. Some of the other instruments featured in the group are African and European flutes, played by Sylvain Leroux; a warm cello, played by Raul Rothblatt; and an electic bass played by Peter Fand. Andy Algire keeps the beat on the drums and Brian Glashow joins in on the congos.
What makes Kakande so unique is that it combines the African tradition with other modern elements.
"Kakande are an upbeat act which combines classic African rhythms in a stage performance which is sure to entertain," said MacLennan.
The numerous instruments each provide a different texture and mood, all contributing to the multi-layered sound. On top of it all, the sound is garnered with a recognizably modern New York flavor. Dioubate starts with a simple motif and gradually builds on it.
Needless to say, this is music that should be both played and listened to with imagination. Kakande's music is suited equally well for dancing and listening.
"It was important to us that Kakande appeal to a broad array of people as their music will appeal to not only students, but also members of the faculty and staff," said MacLennan.
One thing is for sure?bringing the 800-year tradition of the Mande people of West Africa to Brunswick, Maine, will be fascinating not only for those who seek cultural enrichment, but to all students who want to enjoy African culture on a Saturday.