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 Azaguno
is a colorful and vibrant Multi-ethnic Ensemble, which
focuses on research, preservation, education and performance
of traditional African music and
dance, African American music and dance and other styles
from the Caribbean and Latin America. The ensemble also
creates contemporary intercultural
works in new theatrical contexts that fuse the artistic
and aesthetic cultural values and resources representative
of African experiences in world history.
Through the drum, the voice, the dance and other visual
art forms and paraphernalia, Azaguno brings to the stage
a unique African theatrical experience.
Azaguno,
which means "a master drummer" among the Ewe people
of Ghana in West Africa was founded in 2001. The group
is made up of 20 musicians and dancers including 10 apprentices. The group
is co-founded
and directed by Dr. Paschal Yao Younge, a native of Ghana
who is currently an Associate Professor of Multicultural Music Education
at Ohio University
with Dr. Zelma Badu-Younge as Dance Director and Choreographer.
Dr. Zelma Badu-Younge is also an Assistant Professor of African Dance and
Jazz at
Ohio University. Members have trained and researched
extensively in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Morocco, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya,
Tanzania and Togo
in Africa, Canada, the Caribbean and the United States.
Members have
toured and performed with the West Virginia University
African Ensemble, Badu Dance Company, Abibigroma, Makpolo
Dance Initiative, Philadanco and the Forces of Nature
Dance Company at several national and international
festivals and conferences in Canada, France,
Germany, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan and United States.
Some of the festivals include Seoul International Drum
Festival, Taiwan International Percussion
Summer Festival, Sacheon International Percussion Festival,
Taiwan International Dance Festival, Lotus World Music
and Arts Festival, Hsin Chu Folk drum
International Festival, Percussive Arts Society International
Convention, Pan-African Historical Theater Festival,
Festival International De Jazz
De Montreal, Dancing on the Edge Festival, Canada Dance
Festival, and France International Folkloric Festival.
The group also represented the US at
the FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony and Games in Seoul,
Korea in 2002. All these experiences have enabled the
group to create intense and intricate
polyrhythmic sounds; mesmerizing and electrifying dance
movements.
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