IDRISSA CAMARA & Team Nimba
It is daybreak in Bute Park, on the banks of the River Taff at the peak of the pandemic, and a broken African man starts strumming soulfully whilst singing to reconnect with his spiritual roots…
SPIRIT OF NIMBA is an uplifting survival story told through a joyous dance production which fuses African traditions with urban street dance. Set to an original soundtrack, the live score combines violin, drumkit and vocals with West African roots and rhythms on kora, bolom and djembes.
IDRISSA CAMARA and Team Nimba – dancers Eddie Amoateng Manu, Ofelia Balogun, Kim Noble and musicians Mark O’Connor, Lucy Rivers and Suntou Susso – present an explosive new show that guarantees to gladden the heart!
“It was my ancestral voices which saved me during the darkest days of lockdown. This show is my call out to one and all about the importance of celebrating the sheer joy of being alive!” IDRISSA CAMARA.
Please note, Saturday's matinee is a relaxed performance. With increased lighting level and reduced sound level, relaxed performances are suitable for children and adults on the autism spectrum or with learning disabilities, and their families, friends and carers. Everyone welcome!
Idrissa Camara was born in Guinea Conakry in West Africa and trained from a young age with the renowned Ballet Bassikolo de Guinee. In 2010 he founded Wales’ only professional Black dance company, Ballet Nimba, which successfully toured Wales and beyond with traditional African music and dance productions.
Edward Amoateng Manu (Eddie Amb) is a dancer who bridges the gap between modern and traditional African dance styles to create an explosive fusion. He has performed and choreographed for many of today’s modern African artists from Wizkid to Mr Eazi.
Ofelia Omoyele Balogun is an Italian-Nigerian Movement Artist, which practice focuses on the intersection between the vocabulary originating from the African Diaspora in the Caribbean to the world and its connection with dance theatre and contemporary techniques. She held a a First Class Ba (Hons) Degree in Diverse Dance Styles by Irie! Dance Theater / Roehampton University and a Diploma in Psychology, Sociology and Theatre.
Kim Noble trained at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, she is a freelance dance artist based in Cardiff. Kim dances for various choreographers and companies as well as co-directing and choreographing for dance theatre company Kitsch & Sync Collective.
Mark O’Connor is a Caerphilly-born drummer/percussionist, who records with numerous Welsh bands, artists and theatre productions, ranging from jazz and folk to post rock and Latin. He is also a tutor at RWCMD and a community music leader.
Lucy Rivers is a musician, writer, composer and performer who has worked for theatre, radio, festivals, and played and recorded with various bands. She is also co-founder of award-winning gig-theatre company Gagglebabble and is passionate about telling stories through music.
Suntou Susso is a multi-instrumentalist – Kora player, percussionist, singer and composer from The Gambia. His debut album, ‘Kanéfonyo’ (Never Give Up) was released in March.
Images: Dave Daggers Photography
Gallery
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