Show and Tell
How did the audience respond to the performance by Spirit of Uganda?
Usually the response includes standing ovations and cheers. This performance is a celebration of the arts and cultural traditions of Uganda and surrounding East African countries. The company has performed for countless school groups and family audiences.
Why do the performers use dance and music?
In the program notes, the Artistic Director of Spirit of Uganda Peter Kasule tells us, “Dance and music in Africa are the Breath of Life. The deeper we breathe, the longer we live, and the more diverse and culturally rich we become….Like our ancestors before us, our creative legacy will be added to this long history when we take our last breaths.”
You saw twenty-two performers, ages 8-18, introduce dynamic music and dance forms that are being created now. They are ambassadors for Uganda and personify the resilience and promise of Africa's next generation as they promote awareness of Uganda's dual crises of AIDS and civil war, and raise funds to support themselves and others in their homeland.
What do you think an ambassador is? When you go to a new place how do you let others know where you are from?
Do you remember some of the instruments they used? What did they look like?
What were their costumes like? Did some parts of their clothing become instruments in the songs?
Listen to TUSIIMA: "With Gratitude" by Spirit Of Uganda !
Alexis Hefley, founder of Empower African Children, tells us “Africa is fun. It is exotic. And it is capable. So we created Uwezo Brands. Uwezo (pronounced ooh-WAY-zo), in Swahili, means capable. Every product is crafted for the American market, but made in Africa, by Africans, creating jobs for Africans. And every purchase is funding scholarships for students, providing one more step toward realizing the promise of Africa’s future leaders who are grounded in lessons of how to earn your way and contribute to a greater world.”
