African Music And Dance Ensemble CK Ladzekpo, Director

History of the Ensemble

The founding and development of The African Music and Dance Ensemble is closely associated with the development of the Pan-African consciousness of African-Americans in the United States. The Ensemble in fact emerged from a tradition of African music and dance activities set by CK Ladzekpo from Ghana, West Africa through his scholarly research, teaching and performances. Since its inception in 1973, the Ensemble, based in Oakland, California, has sought to broaden access to the knowledge about Africa's rich cultural heritage across the United States, Canada and Europe. At university and high school campuses in California to Great Britain's Black Dance Development Trust's special summer schools for Black Dance Professionals in Europe, the Ensemble has taught the skill, artistry and philosophy that inform the African music and dance traditions. In community ethnic festivals in California, to sold-out season at the world-class Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in Massachusetts, the Ensemble has pioneered the emergence of works by African choreographers on the modern concert stages of the United States with colorful and vibrant tapestries of authentic traditional dances and percussion ensemble music from the West African countries of Ghana, Togo and Benin. The African Music and Dance Ensemble stands for tradition, but it also stands for creativity. It stands for the qualities that Africans cherish and admire in their music and dances. We are glad to share these with you.

History	||	Current Production	||	Online Concert	||	Events
Workshops	||	Ensemble People	||	Reviews	||	Email

Email Inquiries: ladzekpo@calmail.berkeley.edu
C. K. Ladzekpo Home Page
UC Berkeley African Music Ensemble (Music 148) Page
Foundation Course In African Dance-Drumming
Kpanlogo Song Book

Note: these pages are constantly under construction. We are always adding material about the music and culture of the Ewe and other African ethnic groups, along with related graphics, sound, and videos that you can download.