In the Loop
In the Loop
Concert

African Popular Music Ensemble Concert featuring Amo and Abou Camara

  • Date & Time
    • Tuesday, December 07, 2021 7:20pm to 8:30pm
  • Cost
    • Free
  • Description

    Founded in 2021, UF's African Popular Music Ensemble specializes in the popular music of the African continent, with a special focus on Afrobeat, highlife, soukous, and African jazz. The ensemble, directed by Dr. Sarah Politz, features students from the School of Music, musicians from the Gainesville community, and selected guest artists. The 2021 program will include arrangements of popular music from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Guinea, as well as Afro-diasporic sacred music from Haiti and Cuba.

    About Amo and Abou Camara

    Aboubacar Camara (balafon) is a master musician born and raised in Conakry, Guinea. Abou has played with the National Ballet Company of the Republic of Guinea, serving as director, under the supervision of Mr. Amidou Bangoura. Abou served on the National Ballet in Guinea from 1986-1988 and later, the National Ballet of Senegal from 1994-2000. Since arriving in the United States in 2000, he has performed with companies such as African Caribbean dance theater (Tallahassee,FL), the Balafon ensemble (Pittsburgh,PA), the Delou African dance ensemble ( Miami, FL), and SHAE movement African Arts (Charlotte,NC). Abou currently resides in Gainesville, FL and is an accompanist at the University of Florida’s School of Theatre and Dance.

    Amo Soumah (djembe) was born and raised in Conakry, Guinea. Amo hails from the popular Guinean Gbassikolo Drum and Dance Company, which he directed under the supervision of Mr. Jbril Morlaye Camara from 2000 until 2006. Since arriving in the United States in June 2006, he performed with companies such as Borenya (Columbia, SC), SHAE Movement African Arts (Charlotte, NC), Nan Nkama pan -African drum and dance ensemble (Jacksonvile,FL) the Balafon Ensemble (Pittsburgh, PA), Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance Ensemble (Dallas, TX), and the African Caribbean Dance Theatre (Tallahassee, FL). Amo currently resides in Gainesville, FL and is an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Florida's School of Theatre and Dance.

  • Venue
    Music Building Room 101 (MUB 101)
    Address
    435 Newell Dr.
    Gainesville
    Phone
    352-392-0223
    Website
    Music Building Room 101 (MUB 101) Website