Saakumu Dance Troupe 2017
About the Residency
Bernard Woma and The Saakumu Dance Troupe spent one week in New Mexico in February 2017, offering workshops in traditional dance and percussion, panel discussions on the arts and social change, and school-based performances at the United World College-USA, Santa Fe University of Art and Design, and regional public schools. The residency culminated with a community performance that included collaborations with local students.
About the Artists
Bernard Woma, of the Gbanne Clan of the Dagara people, was born in the village of Hiineteng, located in North- western Ghana, near the border with Burkina Faso. His father noticed that, as a newborn, Bernard’s hands were clenched in fists, as if he were clutching xylophone mallets. His father consulted with a village elder who informed him that Bernard’s hands indicated that he was destined to become a gyil (Dagara xylophone) player. As a performer, Bernard shared the performance stage with renowned artists such as Maya Angelou, Yo Yo Ma, and Glen Velez. He performed for international dignitaries and presidents such as Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II. He was honored as the cultural resource liaison for President Barack Obama’s family when they visited Ghana in 2009. He was a true cultural treasure from Ghana who toured the world as xylophonist and lead drummer of the National Dance Company of Ghana. For more information about Bernard’s legacy, please visit the Dagara Music Center website.
Since 2008, Bernard’s dance company, The Saakumu Dance Troupe, has been touring the United States with captivating performances and educational programs in American schools and public venues. Bernard was Co-Founder of Jumbie Records, the Artistic Director of Saakumu Dance Troupe, and the founder and director of the Dagara Music Center Accra, Ghana. He was a principal member of the National Dance Company of Ghana and served as the ceremonial Atumpan Drummer for Ghanaian State functions.