DNA Culture was founded to explore and develop the rich cultural diversity of our popular musical heritage, which has its origins in the triangular Atlantic slave trade. A UK-based educational charity, it promotes inter-cultural understanding through youth music projects.Young people benefit enormously from the intensive and innovative learning experience; they are able to spend creative time with experienced professional musicians from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.THE TRIANGLE PROJECT 2008 This project represents the musical evolution that has taken place as a result of the movement of people from West Africa to other parts of the world.
Blues, Jazz, Soul, Reggae, Hip-Hop - all these styles have their roots in the traditional music of West Africa. Through population flows; immigration and trade; music traditions across the globe have cross-pollinated many times.
This project is not designed to explore the ethics of human cargo, but rather to celebrate the rich cultural contribution that this flow of people has made to our musical heritage; how the traditions which came from the West African people have been adapted to develop popular music culture from the mid 20th century onwards. Our first project was held in Frome, Somerset, in February 2008 and was led by a group of renowned professional musicians from Britain, Africa and the USA. Five days of workshops with young music students and the DNA tutors culminated in a spectacular concert, which brought together the influences that represent our popular cultural music heritage.Future projects will expand on this foundation - exploring further the influences behind our modern popular music.
The Triangle project was founded by Nola Marshall.
DNA Culture is a UK Charity No.1122238.
