In the country of Mali there is a popular phrase, “Anke djé, anke bé”, which means “everyone gather together in peace”. In the Bambara language, “djé” is the verb for “gather” and “bé” translates as “peace”. The Djembé is a sacred drum used to bring people together for celebration and collective healing. It is known to carry the unwritten stories of our ancestors – producing a sound the keeps our bodies tenderly in tune and our hearts at full attention. It is true, that where there is struggle, music is near by, inviting us to be healed.

After four years of devastating war, the United States was in a position to heal itself. Ushering in music, art, poetry, dance and cultural expression, the “Roaring 20’s” would forever shape American history. It was a time of great economic prosperity and for the first time, African American entertainers rose to celebrity status. Artists like Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller and Josephine Baker were cast into the spotlight, and rightly so. This illustrious decade would give birth to the Harlem Renaissance and in 1926, the first ever “Negro History Week”.

Set for the second week of February, “Negro History Week” was made possible by the bravery and dedication of the African American scholar and historian, Carter Woodson. Mr. Woodson contended that sharing history was essential to ensure the physical and intellectual survival of a people within a broader society. This precious week was expanded and by 1976, Black History Month became officially recognized by the United States Government.

Join us as we gather in peace to celebrate Black History Month and the love that binds us all together. Our destination will be a place where we all are children of a goddess called music, dancing wildly to the rhythm of life.

*Three Rooms of Heavy World Music*
Hosted By: Candi
Featuring:
Carlos Mena (Ocha Records)
DJ Cecil
Nina Sol
Diaztek
Son of Son

Live Performance by: Sistahs of the Drum
Live Art & Exhibit: Eesuu Orundide
Artisan Vendors: Brass, Bone & Honey : Mami Afrika
Afro-Cuban Salsa Instruction: Sean Foster

Venue Oakland
420 14th St.
Oakland, CA / 21 + Over

Doors 8pm, $5 Before 10pm / $10 After
Afro – Cuban Salsa Class 8 -9 / Music 9pm – 2am

Advance Tickets:
http://skintones.eventbrite.com/

Artists Bios:

Carlos Mena:
There are not many artists that can claim such accolades as DJ / Musician & Producer, Carlos Mena. Puerto Rican born, Brooklyn raised, Mena’s discography reads like a who’s who of popular and soulful artists. Internationally recognized for his mega-talent, Mena has been blessed to bring his music all over the globe; from South Africa, to New York, London and beyond. Proud recipient of an artistic fellowship from the City of Oakland and named one of URB Magazine’s Next 100 (2006), Mena takes us lovingly across the African and Latin diasporas, the Caribbean and beyond with his clever mixes and edits. Founder of Brooklyn based record label, Ocha Records, Mena has positioned himself to support other innovative, world class artists. Mena, who respectfully fuses traditional music with groundbreaking genres, is also a priest within the Afro-Cuban spiritual tradition of Lukumi. Learn More: casamena.com

Sistahs of The Drum:
Bay Area based, Sistahs of the Drum, is comprised of women of African descent dedicated to upholding and sharing the rich heritage of West African music. Through traditional performances, these beautiful djembefolas journey us through Ghana, Guinea and the Congo with drumming that manifests healing, transformation and empowerment. Learn More: sistahsofthedrum.org

*Many Special Thanks to our beautiful Wawi for allowing us to put her on the cover of this month’s flier*