Saakumu Dance Troupe of Ghana to perform at Willkie Auditorium

To honor the 51st anniversary of Ghana’s independence, the African Studies program and graduate students in African Studies are hosting a month-long celebration.\nGraduate student Nate Plageman helped coordinate the month of activities and said the Ghana Jubilee, a name given to the month-long festivities, is part of the outreach program in the African Studies Department. The celebration begins with a performance by the Saakumu Dance Troupe of Ghana at 7:30 p.m. today in the Willkie Auditorium.\nThe Ghana Jubilee is part of a year-long celebration of Ghana’s independence, which the country achieved in March 1957, said Ebenezer Ayesu, a graduate student in African studies.\n“The Saakumu Dance troupe is the climax of the celebration,” Plageman said. “This is a way to get people aware of the historical context ... to pull in the wider community ... and to expand beyond the IU campus.”\nThe Saakumu Dance Troupe is well-known throughout Ghana and has performed at numerous dance festivals and government conventions there. The group’s top musician, Bernard Woma, is best known for his ability to play the gyil, or xylophone. Woma will perform Tuesday as well. \n“Bernard is one of the most prolific xylophone players,” Plageman said.\nThe troupe will be performing a variety of music and dance styles, including some contemporary genres. Saakumu is translated to mean “tradition,” so the troupe will also be showcasing more traditional styles of dance and music.\nThe Saakumu Dance Troupe specializes in music from the upper west region of Ghana, said Fred Pratt, a graduate student in the history department.\nHe said the “kuor,” a small African drum, will also be among the unique instruments the group will be playing.