Newberry College Continues Black History Month with Jabali Afrika.
February 17, 2015
Sharing the African culture through soul and art, the afro-rock jam band from Kenya, Jabali Afrika brought their enthusiasm for music and dance to the Alumni Music Centers stage on Feb. 17 for an equally enthusiastic Newberry College audience. Celebrating more than two decades of music, the band gave a creative twist to traditional African sounds. According to their website, Jabali means rock in Kiswahili, and the band blends African music with modern styles. Following in the footsteps of East Africas oldest and most diverse popular music created by Fundi Konde and George Mukabi, Jabali Afrika creates the legendary sound that includes customary instruments like the Mbumbumbu bass drums, the sikuti drum and chivoti flute.
Jabali Afrika started more than 20 years ago at the Kenyan National Talent Search. Local success quickly led to international travel: first as performers for the African Heritage Nights, then as performers for the Kenya African Heritage Festival---a tour of 30 European cities. With this success they toured in the United States for many years. Jabali Afrika shared their layered a capella
harmonies and drumming with a range of audiences, from churches to nightclubs to cultural festivals. In 1996, they landed a spot on the popular PBS television show, Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. Their performances include dancing, three-part harmonies, and up to four different types of drums.Jabali Afrika gave a fun interactive performance that provides students with a glimpse of the African music and culture, said Newberry College Director of Student Engagement & Leadership, Angelo Geter. It was a great, entertaining event for the students. Sponsored by All Campus Events (ACE), the performance was part of Black History Month at Newberry College.
