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Bese Saka Presents.. Children Of Aya.Children Of Aya are a revolutionary new band formed by the Bese Saka Arts Organisation. Bese Saka is an Adinkra symbol of a sack of 5 Kola Nuts. The Kola nut plays an important role in the economic and spiritual life of Africa.Bese Saka came together to increase awareness of the physical, spiritual, philosophical and artistic contributions made by peoples of the African Diaspora.We highlight, challenge and question the barriers that artists of African descent experience in the Diaspora whilst promoting good practice through encouraging excellence in artistic standards.Through our sustainability and development we aim to increase opportunities for development, expression, and advancement of individuals and communities.Aya is an Adinkra Symbol represented by a fern tree, which is known for its durability. The 'Children of Aya' are those who have endured and overcome insurmountable odds and prevailed. That is why it has been chosen to reflect the character and strength of our group members.Bese Saka are presently in the throws of preparing for a Nationwide tour of Britain which will feature Children of Aya and visit towns and cities highlighting the effects of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The Tour is titled 'I-Story..: reclaiming and retelling our cultural stories from the standpoint of the African Diasporic experience.Our experienced musicians deliver a range of projects and workshops from storytelling and drumming workshops to performance and music technology.Courses cover various aspects of the music business. For more information and bookings: Email:
[email protected] is a call to all singers, players of instruments and kindred spirits.Here at Bese Saka our philosophy is collective security for surety.
If we come together on an international level, each step that we take will have reverberations globally.2007 will mark the launch of the Revolutionary new group ..Children Of Aya.. and our collective Ancestral works which will involve collaborating which each other to build an international network of kindred spirits that will revolutionize the multi-media industry. We are the original storytellers so it is only natural that we will rise again and re-animate and reclaim our culture and traditions.Children Of Aya is a catalyst for change.Technology is a double-edged sword, but it gives us the opportunity to do things we could only dream of less than a decade ago.So what are we going to use it for?I propose that we can use our talents to create the change we need and in the process collectively remember and honor those whose shoulders we stand on.We have started work on the 1st project for Children of Aya, which is a Tour, Album,Workshop and Multi Media and Education based project entitled I .. Story. Conceived to collectively remember and honor our African ancestors and counteract and put into proper perspective this years Government backed commemoration of the abolition of the slave trade in the British and American colonies. There needs to be a united response to this celebration that we have no involvement in creating but once again appears to be for our benefit, i.e. Live Aid etc...So 2007, Where have We come from?Where are We at?And where are We going?We are planning to take I - story on the road, and are currently supporting and working with other artists and organizations on a journey that will involve collective ritual and redemption.Slavery did not end in 1807 and is a long way from being over especially if we are waiting for someone to end it for us, or worse still, actually believing the hype!
All it will take is the commitment and collective strength of an internationally recognized and respected body of musicians from the Diaspora to take control of the situation and make use of the currently available opportunities to create a global movement.We can raise funds from our works to ensure the continuity of our culture and traditions for the future generations. This will also give us the opportunity to build our own archives for educational purposes.We have always been slaves to the music business because the music industry is a corporate infrastructure that was born from the roots of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the Industrial Revolution. Up to this day we still have problems with the concept of ownership because it was never an issue before we arrived in the Diaspora. Music was integral part of our community and everyday life and was not a product, but a tool for communication and healing.
Contact
[email protected] to pledged support and let us know if you are interested in contributing and taking part in this revolution.Let..s tell the Real Story!Artists/Organizations already involved include:Niles ..Asheber.. Hailstones .. Multi .. Instrumentalist / Production / Musical Director/ Teacher
Derek Johnson .. all Guitars / Production / Musical Director/Teacher/Project Co-Coordinator
Lenny Lawrence - Percussion
Winston Saxton Rose .. all Saxophones & Production
Adesose Wallace .. Multi Instrumentalist/Teacher
Caroline ..Rhythm Queen.. Williams .. Keyboards/Teacher
Madonna Momoh - BlackMadonnaFilms
Dangerous Headgear .. Group
Got2Remember .. Group
Trevor Edwards - Trombone
Emzee Haywoode .. Vocals/Tutor
Courtia Newland .. Author/Writer
Ishmael Blagrove - RiceNPeas Films
Anthony ..Drumtan.. Ward .. Drums/Tutor
Darren ..D .. Pan.. Francis .. Steel Pan/Tutor
Tunde Jegede .. Kora/Teacher
Naomi Thompson .. Vocals/TeacherAnd many more..
