PROGRAMS
The Foundation specializes in providing a diverse array of instructive and enjoyable cultural presentations centered on African drumming, Ifa spirituality, folklore and life teachings. We have designed them for both individuals and institutions according to their needs. West African music, its beats and interwoven rhythms can be heard in pop songs around the globe. The orishas or deities that populate and animate the Yoruba culture and religious practices have long ago crossed international borders. By exposing these connections, our programs unite music, spirit and an enduring tribal wisdom to enrich the lives of anyone who has ever been touched by Africa's gifts -- which, of course, means everyone.
Apejo
As an offering to the community, we host weekly sessions on the art and technique of African hand drumming at our home base in Los Angeles. While they are optional, we accept donations for our gatherings, or as we call them in Yorubaland, "apejos." These apejos serve not just as points of entry or further instruction in percussion and not just the rhythms and the methods behind indigenous Yoruban instruments such as the dun-dun or the talking drum or bell.
What we teach also explores the deeper devotional significance behind the rhythms and the chants to reveal their connections to the orishas of the Ifa faith. Our classes are the perfect introduction to the Foundation’s work. And we also offer private lessons for those wanting more drum and language instruction.
Each Apejo runs approximately for an hour and a half. While participants may bring their own drum(s), drums are provided.
As an offering to the community, we host weekly sessions on the art and technique of African hand drumming at our home base in Los Angeles. While they are optional, we accept donations for our gatherings, or as we call them in Yorubaland, "apejos." These apejos serve not just as points of entry or further instruction in percussion and not just the rhythms and the methods behind indigenous Yoruban instruments such as the dun-dun or the talking drum or bell.
What we teach also explores the deeper devotional significance behind the rhythms and the chants to reveal their connections to the orishas of the Ifa faith. Our classes are the perfect introduction to the Foundation’s work. And we also offer private lessons for those wanting more drum and language instruction.
Each Apejo runs approximately for an hour and a half. While participants may bring their own drum(s), drums are provided.
Youth Programs
The transmission of ancestral knowledge from old to young plays a core function in the cultures of West Africa. Our Foundation members maintain this exchange through workshops and interactive musical presentations for grade school, middle school and high school audiences. In addition, we can make guest appearances at summer camps, boys/girls clubs and orphanages and work with young people of varying ethnicities and social classes.
Once introduced to the chants, rhythms and wisdom of the Yoruban traditions, a deeper understanding and empathy is fostered which fulfills the exchange at the core of our culture’s educational goals. It is our gift, and their inheritance.
The transmission of ancestral knowledge from old to young plays a core function in the cultures of West Africa. Our Foundation members maintain this exchange through workshops and interactive musical presentations for grade school, middle school and high school audiences. In addition, we can make guest appearances at summer camps, boys/girls clubs and orphanages and work with young people of varying ethnicities and social classes.
Once introduced to the chants, rhythms and wisdom of the Yoruban traditions, a deeper understanding and empathy is fostered which fulfills the exchange at the core of our culture’s educational goals. It is our gift, and their inheritance.
Festival Appearances
West African cultural expression is often felt most vividly in celebration, and we participate in many. The Foundation contributes annually to multiple regional, multicultural festivals to coincide with African/African-American holidays and memorial commemorations -- from those celebrating Black History Month to African and International Arts festivals.
The music and pageantry of West Africa merges well with Asian, Western and Arabic folk traditions: It not only unites these diverse audiences but powerfully evokes the most enduring values and legacies of the African people.
West African cultural expression is often felt most vividly in celebration, and we participate in many. The Foundation contributes annually to multiple regional, multicultural festivals to coincide with African/African-American holidays and memorial commemorations -- from those celebrating Black History Month to African and International Arts festivals.
The music and pageantry of West Africa merges well with Asian, Western and Arabic folk traditions: It not only unites these diverse audiences but powerfully evokes the most enduring values and legacies of the African people.
Internal Rhythm: the WACF Prisoner Program Initiative
Since 2014, the West African Cultural Foundation, through its Internal Rhythm Prisoner Initiative, has taught the craft and technique of African drumming to inmates throughout the state of California. Academic studies and our own exit surveys attest to the effectiveness of arts programs in creating peace of mind and mental clarity in these intrinsically stressful environments.
We have especially tailored our classes to counter the alienation and division at the heart of incarcerated life. Our students have benefited from using these musical tools and life lessons gained both within and without prison walls.
Since 2014, the West African Cultural Foundation, through its Internal Rhythm Prisoner Initiative, has taught the craft and technique of African drumming to inmates throughout the state of California. Academic studies and our own exit surveys attest to the effectiveness of arts programs in creating peace of mind and mental clarity in these intrinsically stressful environments.
We have especially tailored our classes to counter the alienation and division at the heart of incarcerated life. Our students have benefited from using these musical tools and life lessons gained both within and without prison walls.