Kwesi Anku, Kwaku Manu, and Selasi Morgan are performing artists who teach at the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts in Richmond, CA and are members of the Bay Area's West African Music & Dance Ensemble. Originally from Ghana, they came to the states to study dance with their professor at UC Berkeley, Dr. CK Ladzekpo. They stayed in the Bay Area to spread their love of music and dance, and to offer students in Richmond an opportunity to express themselves and to use music and dance as a tool for positive change in their community.
In the latest videos from KQED Arts Eduction, Kwesi and Kwaku discuss the history of Ghana, including its independence from colonizers in 1957. They also introduce the Ghanaian version of the ABC song, the language behind their dance moves, and simple drumming rhythms that can be learned by any budding performer.
Learn more about the East Bay Center for Performing Arts at EastBayCenter.org.
Hi Kristin,
It is so much fun to see these amazing teachers again!!! Good job on the recordings!!!! I have great memories of our time together last summer. I still put on music to do the dancing we learned!!! I just e-mailed this to my girlfriend on the Big Island. She teaches 1st grade. She just brought her 18 drums into the classroom yesterday to have a week of durmming with the children. I suggested she show these “shorts” to her students. I know they will giggle with joy.
Best,
Vickie
Kwesi Anku and Kwaku Menu were my classmates and frankly speaking, they are born with dance. i currently a dace coordinator in a district in northern part of Ghana.