UF Center for World Arts and Center for African Studies presents Jacaré Brazil, Agbedidi Jeliya

March 23, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The College of Fine Arts Center for World Arts and University of Florida Center for African Studies presents a concert by Jacaré Brazil and Agbedidi Jeliya, with special guests Kaniba Kouyate, Abdulaye Diabate, Cheick Diabate and Tasana Camara, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 7, in the University Auditorium.

Under the leadership of guest musical director Abou Sylla, Agbedidi Jeliya was formed in fall 2006 as an outgrowth of the Center for World Arts’ African music and dance group Agbedidi Africa, an ensemble directed by Mohamed DaCosta, a lecturer in the School of Theatre and Dance. Both groups perform music of the Mande people of West Africa. Sylla comes from a family of griots — poets and musicians who have traditionally been the historians and culture-bearers of the Mande. He is an accomplished player of the balafon, a Mande xylophone, appearing on numerous solo and ensemble recordings and performing internationally for many years.

Sylla has invited some very talented musicians to accompany Agbedidi Jeliya this year, all of whom hail from families of griots. Kaniba Kouyate is a singer from Mali who has appeared on several recordings and is recognized internationally for her performances. Abdulaye Diabate will accompany her on guitar, and Cheick Diabate and Tasana Camara will add their talents on the stringed instrument n’goni and the bass balafon. The Brazilian music ensemble Jacaré Brazil will collaborate with Agbedidi Jeliya on several selections and perform separately as well. Jacaré Brazil will perform a number of traditional sambas, choros and other pieces. Under the direction of Welson Tremura and Larry Crook, the ensemble has been an important part of the School of Music since 1997.

Tickets are available at the Phillips Center Box Office and the University Box Office at the Reitz Student Union; tickets also available at University Auditorium beginning 1 hour before the performance. Tickets are free to students with Gator1 identification cards and $10 for the general public. STUDENTS MUST PRESENT FREE TICKET AND UF I.D. TO BE ADMITTED.

For more information, call 352-392-2787.