SLS PA: Mosaic Hosts Infinite Roots Drum and Dance Family Gathering

View all photos from the event here.

The Mosaic Infinite Roots Drum and Dance Family Gathering event was held on the evening of October 4, 2023, in the Forese Family Fireplace Commons. It was a celebration of unity and diversity where attendees from various backgrounds came together to celebrate the beauty of African culture and the power of music and dance to unite people. The event fostered a sense of community and appreciation for each other's differences and how they connect us.  

 

The evening began with the delicious culinary delights of the African diaspora. The participants enjoyed flavorful food from Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the Caribbean while gathering and conversing with one another. After everyone's bellies were full, the program began, and Infinite Roots, led by the exceptional Babba Kwame Henry Jones, taught everyone African songs. He also explained the origins of the beautiful instruments of West Africa: the Balafon, Ngongoma, Mbira, Kora, Adungu, Bougarabou, Djembe, Doundoun, Sangban and Kekeni. Participants were split into two groups, where 21 brave souls broke apart from the group and were led to the Wyckoff Black Box Theater to learn four traditional African dances. The remaining participants were each given one of the abovementioned instruments and were taught how to play them by Babba Kwame Henry Jones. They then learned how to play three different African songs—the evening culminated when everyone came back together for a joyous song, dance, and musical performance.  

 

The Mosaic Infinite Roots Drum and Dance Family Gathering was a night to remember, where all in attendance enjoyed the power of drums, dance, and cultural immersion. It celebrated Africa's rich and diverse traditions, bringing people together for an unforgettable experience of music, dance, and unity.

Check out photos from the event.