Cheza Nami is excited to showcase African drumming and dance at 2:30 pm - 3:30pm at the ART IN THE PLAZA event presented by the Livermore Arts Association in downtown Livermore.

Come check out what African drumming and dance are all about. You will also get a chance to try out some African drumming and some African dance moves as demonstrated by Cheza Nami artists and partner master drummers. This will be fun, inclusive, educational and interactive and is open to all ages. Bring the entire family! Purchase art from local artists and crafts people. Art demonstrations all day ! 
Go here for more information about the event. 
We are excited to present the Ibra Fall People for this showcase. Ibra Fall people are traditional dancers from West Africa – Senegal and the United States. They are a collection of master drummers, dedicated artists, and dancers joining together to spread positive action and expression. These artist use drumming, dancing and song as a catalyst to create an inclusive environment for everyone to feel free to observe, support, and join. Ibra Fall people welcome the opportunity to perform, teach, and educate all who are interested the culture of West Africa. 

Meet the Artists

Djamil Diop (Jamil)

Djamil is a master Doun Doun, Djembe, and Sabar drummer from Senegal, West Africa. He comes from a long line of Sabar Griots, or storytellers, who have passed down his people’s traditions and history through the language of the Sabar drums. Since his arrival in the states in October of 2008, he has performed in concerts with traditional African dance companies and African fusion bands and drummed for Sabar and Djembe dance workshops in San Francisco, Oakland, and New York. He frequently performs for school assemblies in San Francisco, and teaches weekly group and private Doun Doun, Djembe, and Sabar percussion classes for adults in the Bay Area.

Ousmane Gueye

Ousmane was born into a family of Griots (Musicians) learning the art of Sabar Drumming, Dance and Song in the timeless tradition of the Griot from the ripe young age of 3yrs old. At the young age of 15 he began to travel all over the African continent performing in different groups and orchestras. He is highly skilled on all different types of African drums including but not limited to: Sabar, Djembe, Djun Djun, Tama and Conga). At the age of 40yrs. young, Ousmane travelled all the way from his native Africa to the United States of America in order pass on his craft and knowledge by teaching African Drumming for various Drumming & Dance workshops as well as performing in shows and festivals in Santa Cruz, CA. He continues to teach African Drumming and Dance in New York City, NY. Los Angeles, CA. San Diego, CA. Oakland, CA. Las Vegas, NV and Seattle, WA.

Stephanie O’Neal

Stephanie is from the United States and was born in San Francisco, California.  Stephanie is a dedicated and loyal student of ethnic dance.  She has studies many forms of African and Haitian styles and rhythms. Moreover, She incorporates dance movements from Senegal, Guinea, Haiti, and the Congo.  She has participated in many dance conferences, workshops, dance camps, and performances.  She has studied under many of the master dancers such Alassane Kane, N’deye Gueye, Aziz Faye, Ousseynou Kouyate, Alseny Somah, Patrice M’Bayerro, Blanche Brown, etc. Stephanie celebrates African dance with passion and vigor. Her objective is to participate in sharing knowledge of her vast experience through dance and song. 

Cheza Nami is proud to partner with Habitot children's museum, Our Family Coalition and Hacker moms to offer African Dancing, drumming and singing (for parents and kids 0-5) at three different locations this fall. Get moving with your child to music by exploring the sounds and songs of Africa through dance and play with Catherine of Cheza Nami (Swahili for "come play with me"). Children will develop rhythmic awareness and practice creative motion through dancing, drumming and song. Learning Swahili words and playing percussion instruments from Africa will also add to the fun!  

"Simply the most enjoyable music class for both kids AND parents this side of the Indian Ocean. " (Hackermoms)

Please join us at any one or all of these locations for some fun!

Habitot Children's Museum
2065 Kittredge Street
Berkeley, CA 
Wednesdays 10-10:30 am for only $7 drop in fee. 
September 26th, 2012 -December 5th, 2012 (No class Thanksgiving week)


Lotus Bloom
2000 Park Blvd
Oakland, CA
Saturdays 10-10:30 am. Register here
September 8th, 2012 - September 29th, 2012

HackerMoms
3288 Adeline Street
Berkeley, CA
Saturdays 10-10:30 am. $12 drop-in class or $10 per class when you buy a 6-class series for $60. 
October 6th, 2012 - November 8th, 2012