Monday, September 9 2024 | 7 - 9pm New Dance Theatre, Dance Building 325 Sanford Drive, University of Georgia UGA Dance UGA Department of Dance PresentsUGA Willson Center for Humanities & Arts Distinguished Artists The Yeli Ensemble is comprised of Ibrahima "Ibro" Dioubate and Sekouna Conte. Traditional West African Percussionist (Guinea Conakry) Ibrahima ‘Ibro’ Dioubate is an African Yeli and is internationally celebrated for his supreme artistry and mastery of his craft. A Yeli is a ‘living archive’ of the African people's traditions. A Yeli learns traditional music and dance from their parents and elders and are recognized as storytellers and keepers of knowledge that has been passed down through countless generations. As a member of AfricaNashville, Ibro has performed/recorded with global musical legends such as Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck and the Flecktones), Cory Wong, Nate Smith, Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band), Rakalam Bob Moses, Moussa "Bolokada" Conde, Tony Hall, Danny Gottlieb, Daru Jones, Leo Genovese, and many others. This event is free and open to the public with no tickets required. ABOUT THE ARTISTS Sekouna Conte is a multi-instrumentalist and dancer from Guinea. In 2021, he integrated the Ballet National of Guinea (Les ballets Africaines) as their principal Kora player, one of the best and most internationally known companies representing West African culture abroad. He also plays the balafon, n’goni, djembe, dun-dun, samban, kenkeni, bolon, gongoma, krin, guitar, western drumset….and dances. Since moving to Mexico in 2021, he founded and directs two groups of traditional music : Kora Koumakan and Africa Namunyi Roots. Sekouna is the guardian of the cultural inheritance of his country and tells its story through its music and dance. The Yeli Ensemble performs exclusively in the US under AfricaNashville. Windship Boyd: Co-Founder of AfricaNashville (AfricaNashville.com) Project Manager, Producer, Performer Franco-American Dancer/Choreographer/Drummer (Nashville/Lyon) Born in France of American parents, Windship grew up in the US. Initially a professional ballet dancer she moved to France where created her company Itchy Feet. She was the choreographer in residence in her city Vaulx en Velin and choreographed for Lyon’s Biennale de la Danse for 7 seasons. During her time in France, she also worked extensively in West Africa. Since she received a grant from UNESCO in 2004, she has toured, taught, choreographed and learned dances in Senegal, Burkina Faso and Guinea. Back in Nashville, she continues to exchange, create works and take people over to West Africa to discover dance and music. She co-founded AfricaNashville with the saxophonist Jeff Coffin. Today she manages the company, teaches and performs with them. Jeff Coffin, Co-founder of AfricaNashville Jeff Coffin is a globally celebrated saxophonist, composer, educator, and is a member of the legendary U.S. rock group, Dave Matthews Band. You may also know him from his 14 years, and 3 Grammy Awards, with the genre-defying Bela Fleck & the Flecktones. Jeff leads numerous groups when not touring with DMB and has released 17+ solo CD's on Ear Up Records. Coffin is known for his musical passion, his deep commitment to music education, and his continued dedication to improvisational music. Jeff is also a Yamaha Performing Artist & Clinician, a Boston Sax Shop Ambassador, teaches improvisation at the prestigious Vanderbilt University, authored numerous music books, authored a children’s book, produces, engineers, mixes, draws, and runs his own critically acclaimed record label, Ear Up Records.
