Zambia’s Babemba Tribe holds a belief that each human being enters the world a good person. They share an affirmation that everyone is essentially seeking (and worthy of) love, peace, safety and happiness. When a tribes’ member makes a mistake or acts irresponsibly, the community sees this as a cry for help and a call to action.

All work ceases, and every man, woman and child in the village gathers in a large circle around the accused individual. Each person in the tribe speaks to the individual, one at a time, recalling good things the person in the center has done in his or her lifetime. Every incident or experience gets recalled with great detail. Every positive attribute, good deed, strengths and kindnesses are recited carefully and at length. This healing tribal ceremony often lasts for several days, allowing the individual to be reconnected with his or her true nature, of which they’ve been temporarily disconnected.

In the fast paced, hustle and bustle of modern living, it is far too easy to become disconnected from our radiant centers. In which ways do we need to be embraced and reminded of our inherent good? In turn, how can we remind others of their own light? If we consider the dance floor as our sanctuary and take refuge in each lush rhythm, we’re choosing music as our method of healing, just as many cultures have done for centuries.

To celebrate our one year anniversary of SKIN, we’ve chosen the finest artists and DJs to take us across continents and diasporas; from the winding rhythms of Nigeria’s Afro-Beat & Highlife to the new sounds rising in South Africa’s House Scene, the Caribbean’s golden collection of Soca, Calypso, Dancehall and Salsa to Brazil’s Samba & Baile Funk…we fuse the tap-tap-tapping of Tahitian drumming with sexy 808 rhythms of Tropical Bass and more. Summoning the past, present and future – we invite you to journey with us into a space where music becomes our mother, and we find ourselves lovingly back home.

Gather Round.

One Year Anniversary Celebration / Two Rooms of Music / New Location:

Hosted By Ms. Candi

Featuring:
DJ Cecil + Soul Mojo
Emancipacion / Diaztek / Son of Son

Artisan Village:
Bush Mama / Esoteric Images / Mami Afrika

Belly Dance Performance:
Heaven Mousalem

Riddim
581 5th St.
Oakland, CA / 21 +

Doors 9pm, $5 Cover Before 10pm, $10 After / Wheel Chair Accessible

 

 

*Riddim is one of Oakland’s newest nightclubs; boasting two rooms of music, indoor / outdoor space and a very clean and proper sound system. Street parking is ample.