CONTEMPORARY
INTERCULTURAL
THEATER
AFRICAN
CULTURE, HISTORY,
EXPERIENCE
arts & culture
DRUM, VOICE,
DANCE, EPHEMERA
ABOUT AZAGUNO
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BioDr. Zelma Badu-Younge, Associate Professor of Dance at Ohio University, one of the most charismatic cultural fusion artists, is considered one of the most electrifying choreographers. Dr. Badu-Younge trained at The National Ballet School of Canada, L' Academie des Grands Ballet Canadiens, Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and University of Ghana's School of Performing Arts. She holds a B.F.A. in Contemporary Dance focusing on Choreography from Concordia University, a M.F.A. in Dance Ethnology from York University, and a Ph.D. in Integrated Studies in Education focusing on Culture and Values in Education from McGill University. Both her M.F.A. “Atsiagbekor: Documentation of an Ewe Dance Form” and Ph.D. “Ewe Culture as Expressed in Ghana West Africa Through Adzogbo Dance Ceremony: A Foundation for the Development of Interactive Multimedia Educational Material” research took her to West Africa, where she studied the Music and Dances of Ghana.
MEET THE ARTISTS
Mike Ramsey is a Brooklyn based drummer & percussionist. Broadway credits include The Lion King, Ain’t Too Proud, and many others. Orchestral credits include The Philadelphia Orchestra, Seoul Philharmonic, etc. Music for dance groups AZAGUNO, Oyu Oro Afro-Cuban, Camille A. Brown & Dancers, etc.
Mike Ramsey is a Brooklyn based drummer & percussionist. Broadway credits include The Lion King, Ain’t Too Proud, and many others. Orchestral credits include The Philadelphia Orchestra, Seoul Philharmonic, etc. Music for dance groups AZAGUNO, Oyu Oro Afro-Cuban, Camille A. Brown & Dancers, etc.
Mike Ramsey
MUSICIAN | PERCUSSIONIST
Years with Azaguno: 20
Fountain is the music director at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is a graduate from West Virginia University. In 2006, he worked at Mannette Instruments in Morgantown, WV. Eric has been a member of Azaguno since 2002.
Fountain is the music director at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is a graduate from West Virginia University. In 2006, he worked at Mannette Instruments in Morgantown, WV. Eric has been a member of Azaguno since 2002. For more info checkout www.osls.org.
DANCER | MUSICIAN | PERCUSSIONIST
Years with Azaguno: 20
Whitney Jacobs is a dance educator, choreographer and performer. She holds a BFA and a MFA in Dance, and her choreography has been presented at numerous venues throughout NYC/NJ. Jacobs is full time faculty at The Brearley School, NYC, and teaches dance and physical education grades K-12.
Whitney Jacobs is a dance educator, choreographer and performer. She holds a BFA and a MFA in Dance, and her choreography has been presented at numerous venues throughout NYC/NJ. Jacobs is full time faculty at The Brearley School, NYC, and teaches dance and physical education grades K-12.
DANCER
Years with Azaguno: 18
Keith Moone holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from West Virginia University and was mentored by Dr. Ellie Mannette. Mr. Moone is part owner of Seven City Steel Drums LLC, a company that specializes in Steel Pan(drum) manufacturing. Keith has been a member of Azaguno since 2005.
Keith Moone holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from West Virginia University and was mentored by Dr. Ellie Mannette. Mr. Moone is part owner of Seven City Steel Drums LLC, a company that specializes in Steel Pan(drum) manufacturing. Keith has been a member of Azaguno since 2005.
Keith Moone
MUSICIAN | PERCUSSIONIST
Years with Azaguno: 16
Brittany graduated from the Ohio University in 2011 with a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. Brittany earned her doctorate in physical therapy from Marshall University School of Physical Therapy in May, 2020. She currently practices at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, KY.
Brittany graduated from the Ohio University in 2011 with a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. Brittany earned her doctorate in physical therapy from Marshall University School of Physical Therapy in May, 2020. She currently practices at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, KY.
DANCER
Years with Azaguno: 13
Dr. Kristofer Olsen is an Assistant Professor of Arts Education in the Department of Education at Montana State University. Originally from Havre, Montana, he received his BA in Music Ed. and Math Ed. from St. Olaf College, MM from West Virginia University and PhD from Ohio University.
Dr. Kristofer Olsen is an Assistant Professor of Arts Education in the Department of Education at Montana State University. Originally from Havre, Montana, he received his BA in Music Ed. and Math Ed. from St. Olaf College, MM from West Virginia University and PhD from Ohio University.
MUSICIAN | PERCUSSIONIST
Years with Azaguno: 13
Keith Moone holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from West Virginia University and was mentored by Dr. Ellie Mannette. Mr. Moone is part owner of Seven City Steel Drums LLC, a company that specializes in Steel Pan(drum) manufacturing. Keith has been a member of Azaguno since 2005.
Mia started dancing at Factory Street Studio in Athens, OH at a young age focusing on modern, ballet, jazz and CKC (Creative Kids Company) and has thus expanded her dance repertoire to include African dance. On top of dancing, Mia is a mom and wife and has been working in real estate for 16+ yrs.
DANCER
Years with Azaguno: 12
Dr. Jennifer Petrie-Wyman is the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. She focuses on global leadership, business and ethics, and development in Africa presenting and publishing nationally and internationally.
Dr. Jennifer Petrie-Wyman is the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. She focuses on global leadership, business and ethics, and development in Africa presenting and publishing nationally and internationally.
DANCER
Years with Azaguno: 11
John Meriwether is a percussionist living in Colorado and touring with Azaguno internationally.
John Meriwether is a percussionist living in Colorado and touring with Azaguno internationally.
John Meriwether
MUSICIAN | PERCUSSIONIST
Years with Azaguno: 10
John Meriwether is a percussionist living in Colorado and touring with Azaguno internationally.
Michael Ofori is an actor, director, musician and educator. He is currently a Visiting Lecturer Acting and Directing at Mount Holyoke College’s Film Media Theatre Department. In the Boston area, Michael spends his time acting, directing and playing music with his Afro-fusion band, Kotoko Brass.
Michael Ofori
MUSICIAN | PERCUSSIONIST
Years with Azaguno: 10
Mustapha brings life-long passion with two decades of international experience and acclaim to his roles as artist and scholar. Born and raised in Ghana, he is Assistant Professor of Dance at Goucher College, Maryland. He holds an M.F.A. in Dance, an M.A. in African Studies, and a B.F.A. in Dance.
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Mustapha brings life-long passion with two decades of international experience and acclaim to his roles as artist and scholar. Born and raised in Ghana, he is Assistant Professor of Dance at Goucher College, Maryland. He holds an M.F.A. in Dance, an M.A. in African Studies, and a B.F.A. in Dance.
DANCER | MUSICIAN | PERCUSSIONIST
Years with Azaguno: 9
A dance educator, choreographer, and performer who envisions’ his work as a re-contextualization of traditions, with focus on dance theatre and contemporary Africa dance. Nii-Tete has choreographed and directed at both National and international levels. He holds a Diploma, BFA and M.F.A.
A dance educator, choreographer, and performer who envisions’ his work as a re-contextualization of traditions, with focus on dance theatre and contemporary Africa dance. Nii-Tete has choreographed and directed at both National and international levels. He holds a Diploma, BFA and M.F.A.
Nii-Tete Yartey
SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST
Years with Azaguno: 7
Ryan is a classically trained percussionist and music educator with a passion for non-western music, with experience in traditions from Ghana, Uganda, and Japan, among others. He is currently based in Detroit, MI, sharing his love of music in private music lessons and with his middle schoolers.
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Ryan is a classically trained percussionist and music educator with a passion for non-western music, with experience in traditions from Ghana, Uganda, and Japan, among others. He is currently based in Detroit, MI, sharing his love of music in private music lessons and with his middle schoolers.
MUSICIAN | PERCUSSIONIST
Years with Azaguno: 7
Dr. Erik Forst is the Director of Percussion Studies at Messiah University, where he oversees all aspects of the Percussion Area. He has performed as a soloist extensively throughout the United Sates, Asia, and Africa. He is an artist for Vic Firth, Zildjian Cymbals, and Marimba One marimbas
Dr. Erik Forst is the Director of Percussion Studies at Messiah University, where he oversees all aspects of the Percussion Area. He has performed as a soloist extensively throughout the United Sates, Asia, and Africa. He is an artist for Vic Firth, Zildjian Cymbals, and Marimba One marimbas
MUSICIAN | PERCUSSIONIST
Years with Azaguno: 5
Gabriela Meriwether hails from Colorado and tours with Azaguno internationally.
Gabriela Meriwether can be seen performing in the pit orchestra at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse and playing with Sunday 5 Winds. Gabriela runs a private flute studio where she teaches beginners to advanced students of any age.
FLUTIST | MUSICIAN
Years with Azaguno: 3
John Meriwether is a percussionist living in Colorado and touring with Azaguno internationally.
DANCER
Years with Azaguno: 3
Ishmael Konney is a performer and choreographer from Ghana. He is currently in his 2nd year at The Ohio State University pursuing a MFA in Dance. His multidisciplinary performances draw upon his training in theatre and music, and he describes his work as an abstraction of Ghanaian music and dance.
John Meriwether is a percussionist living in Colorado and touring with Azaguno internationally.
Abubarkari Meirigah Salifu
Abubarkari Meirigah Salifu recently retired as a senior male dancer and musician of the Ghana Dance Ensemble (National Dance Company) after 30 years. He is a virtuoso on the Gonje (one-stringed fiddle) which he inherited from his royal family in the Northern region of Ghana.
DANCER | MUSICIAN | GONJE ARTIST
Years with Azaguno: 3
John Meriwether is a percussionist living in Colorado and touring with Azaguno internationally.
Julie Cruse performed with Azaguno as a dancer and percussionist from 2003 to 2007, and as a guest artist in 2011. She now serves as digital content extraordinaire: website designer, social media advisor, and general "glitzer-upper" to support and represent Azaguno's mission.
DIRECTOR, DIGITAL CONTENT
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BioDr. Zelma Badu-Younge, Associate Professor of Dance at Ohio University, one of the most charismatic cultural fusion artists, is considered one of the most electrifying choreographers. Dr. Badu-Younge trained at The National Ballet School of Canada, L' Academie des Grands Ballet Canadiens, Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and University of Ghana's School of Performing Arts. She holds a B.F.A. in Contemporary Dance focusing on Choreography from Concordia University, a M.F.A. in Dance Ethnology from York University, and a Ph.D. in Integrated Studies in Education focusing on Culture and Values in Education from McGill University. Both her M.F.A. “Atsiagbekor: Documentation of an Ewe Dance Form” and Ph.D. “Ewe Culture as Expressed in Ghana West Africa Through Adzogbo Dance Ceremony: A Foundation for the Development of Interactive Multimedia Educational Material” research took her to West Africa, where she studied the Music and Dances of Ghana.
