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Event
From Africa to the White House
From Africa to the White House: A journey of Resistance, Triumph and Spirituals:
Nigerian writer, performer Tayo Aluko's has created an illuminating musically illustrated talk exploring African pre-slavery history, Africans' resistance to white domination over the centuries, and their eventual triumph (symbolically at least) with the election and inauguration of Barack Obama to the Presidency of the United States.
Advance Tickets $10 at Brown Paper Tickets. $15 at door
In it, I sing Spirituals, as composed and sung by enslaved Africans and their descendants, including Paul Robeson, the famous African American actor and singer from the 1920s to 50s, whose life story initially inspired the presentation.
I speak about him and other historical and more recent figures who fought for freedom, justice and independence in all parts of the Black diaspora, such as Nelson Mandela, Patrice Lumumba, Queen Nanny of Jamaica and lesser known figures like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti of Nigeria.
Religion and African philosophy are also discussed, with mention made of Malcolm X, the Nation of Islam and Jesus Christ, who I describe as "the most famous non-white revolutionary ever", and whose life inspired many of the spirituals known and sung to this day.
I finish by suggesting that the fight for equality, peace and justice is a tradition to be appreciated, embraced and continued by all people of African descent, to be linked to the struggle against all forms of oppression worldwide.
Spirituals sung include I GOT A HOME IN A DAT ROCK, HOLD ON! and others.
Duration: 60 minutes without interval
Reviews of FROM AFRICA TO THE WHITE HOUSE:
Brilliant show, amazing depth of research, delicious script.
Osita Ike, Lagos, Nigeria
Excellent reminder of Mr. Robeson and Negro Spirituals
Margie Rees, Dallas/Lagos
A great performance. Entertaining, educative, enlightening and thought-provoking. A rare showcase of an artist's interest in improving the lot, and promoting the music of African Americans.
Ikeogu Oke, Lagos
Truly excellent. Deeply moving. Honest telling of the story. You should go worldwide.
Julie Bairwal, London
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LocationLangston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (View)
104 17th Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98144
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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Contact
Q&A
| Question: |
How many performers are there? Is there live Musicians? |
| Answer: |
There will be one live musician (pianist) accompanying Mr. Aluko. The pianist is local (name forthcoming). |
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