IN REMEMBRANCE OF CHRISTOPHER ELVIN LOVINGLY KNOWN AS CHRIS WHO IS A JOY TO ALL WHO GOT A CHANCE TO MEET HIM. WE SEND OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO HIM, HIS FAMILY, AND FRIENDS. MAY HE REST IN PEACE. HOPE YOU ENJOY THE FRONT ROW SEAT CHRIS. IN OUR HEARTS ALWAYS. WITH LOVE,
30th Annual Concert
March 22, 2025 at 7:30om
Alice Jepson Theatre
University of Richmond
Artistic Director: Babadunjo Olagunké
Celebrate 30 years of Dance with Ngoma!
The Ngoma African Dance Company is an Ensemble devoted to preserving the African Diaspora and folkloric art forms. Ngoma was founded in 1994 by Markita Boney (now Markita Brooks). She wanted to create a space where students would come together, vibe, release stress and workout! This season we celebrate 30th and Ngoma still carries on in this fashion. The company has operated under the artistic director of Babadunjo Olagunké for 29 of those years
Ngoma is defined as drum and dancing in Swahili, the perfect phrase to encompass this years performance. The theme of this year’s presentation is “Sankofa!” We have united together in partnership with music ensembles on campus and choreogrpahic contributions from company memebers of various African groups within the company. in unity we are able to grow together and create something truly special! Enjoy Family...Asé ohhhhhhh!!!
Musicians: Roderick Davis, Ray Nicholson, Baba Edalio Galarza, William Lewis, Abdou Mohammed, Babadunjo Olagunké, Baba Will Anderson, Trey Anderson
Choreography by Babadunjo Olagunké
Performed by Genice Thomas, Jeannel Dolcy, Ademide Ajeigbe, Lay’la Harmon, Kay Lina
A mask dance originated from the temine people of Sierra Leone Usually performed after Ramandan, harvest festivals, or a marriage. This dance is very popular around the world
Choreography by Babadunjo Olagunké
Performed by Michelle Darfour, Anaiya Forte, Aida Lette, Chelsea Waruzi, Kiyah Harris, & Leanna Morris
Kassa originated in Guinea, specifically from the Malinke people. It is a harvest dance.
Choreography by Meklet Berihun, Tsion Maru, Siham Niori
Performed by Kay Lina, Meklet Berihun, Tsion Maru, Debora Lemma, Siham Niori, Dawit Scott, Ananya Bekele, Sara Tewelde, Beza Mulatu, Betaneya Tsegay, Mera Seifu
The Horn of Africa: an array of traditional dances originating from tribes spanning across Ethiopia and Eritrea including Tigrinya, Amhara, Gurage, Oromo, and Wolayta. Though merely a glimpse, through these dances we aim to encapsulate a snippet of the diversity and rich spirit present within habesha culture
Music by Israel Houghton
Danced by Markita Brooks
Music By Childish Gambino
Choreographed & Danced By Kiyah Harris
“I hope that this piece allows for you, the audience, to be taken to a different place. Wherever that might be, I hope that you stay there and mediate on what this piece may mean to you. Don’t allow me to shape your perspective but take the time to create your own narrative and where you feel it fits. Thank you.”
Choreography by Babadunjo Olagunké
Performed by NGOMA African Dance Company
Sinte’ originated from Guinea specifically from the Nalu people. It was originally danced in preparation for the initiation rites of young women.
Audience Interactive Performance
Lead by: Keyona
This performance contains the use of flashing lights, strobe effects, and rapidly changing visual elements that may cause discomfort or trigger seizures for individuals with photosensitive epilepsy or related conditions. Viewer discretion is advised. By attending the performance, you acknowledge and accept this warning. If you are sensitive to such effects, please consider your health and safety before proceeding
~Intermission/Narration~
Choreography by Anaiya Forte, Michelle Darfour, Performed by Anaiya Forte, Michelle Darfour, Kiyah Harris, Chelsea Waruzi, Meklet Berihun, Kay Lina, & Aida Lette, Lay’la Harmon, Jeannel Dolcy
Choreography by Babadunjo Olagunké Performed by AdG
A mask dance of initiation rites from Guinea. Mali West Africa and the Maninka & Malike’ people
Choreography by Babadunjo Olagunké Performed by Ngoma African Dance Company
KouKou originated from Guinea and the Ivory Coast from the Susu people. It is a rite of passage dance, and also a celebration for the women returning from the fishing expeditions. The kou kou is also a fruit similar to the kiwi.
Babadunjo Olagunké is a professional dancer, choreographer, adjudicator, consultant, and costume designer. Since 1983, Baba D has instructed 1000's of students, numerous award-winning teams, high schools, workshops, clinics, camps, organizations, and independent ensembles. He currently is the Artistic Director of The Ngoma African Dance Ensemble at University of Richmond, The Founder, Chairman, Artistic Coordinator of The Akoma Dance & Drum Performance Ensemble, formerly the co- Artistic Director of The Ezibu Muntu African Dance Theatre, The Color Guard Coordinator for Powhatan High School, Freedom HS- Visual Ensemble Instructor, The Executive Director of Light Brigade South Color Guard & Performance Ensemble. Baba D also performed with The Carolina Gold Drum & Bugle Corps-Charter member and The Light Brigade World Winter Guard, which was The European Champions in 2007. He was also awarded numerous Outstanding Performer Awards with those ensembles. He has served as a dance liaison in Senegal, West Africa and is a member of the Dzifa Masquerade Society. He has worked closely with the late Baba Chuck Davis' African American Dance Ensemble and late Baba Melvin Deals’ African Heritage Dancers and Drummers. Babadunjo has over 35 years of experience in African Dance. His educational background includes studying at VCU with a concentration in Physical Education and a minor in Dance/Choreography. In 2015, he was inducted into The Atlantic Indoor Association's Hall of Honor.
Roderick Davis has worked in education for nearly 2 decades, having a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Architectural Drafting & Design from Virginia State University, Advanced Certifications in Principles of Engineering and Introduction to Engineering Design from Duke University, and several professional Computer Aided Drafting Certified User certifications. Mr. Davis was introduced to West African Drum and Dance in 1994 by his former teacher, mentor and founding member of Ezibu Muntu, Renne Knight. Roderick has actively dedicated himself as a drummer for 3 decades to Ezibu Muntu,Akoma de Gado, N’Goma, and to his community. He has held the positions of Lead Drummer and Musical Director for 21 years. He has also taught djembe music for over 10 years as an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Richmond.` While teaching at MLK Middle, Roderick created an after school program for young boys focusing on leadership through learning West African music, which had an 8 year span. Roderick is also the cofounder of Capoeira Resisténcia Richmond with world renowned capoeira master from São Paulo, Brazil, Mestre Panão. He has trained and taught under the direct tutelage of M. Panão for 17 years. Mr. Davis is now the group’s first graduated American Professor of capoeira and is now teaching this Brazilian martial art form in Richmond and Charlottesville VA.
Ensemble is a group of dancers and musicians specializing in African and Black dance throughout the diaspora, incorporating culture, customs, history, rhythms, song, and traditions. We pride ourselves in telling stories from the African American perspective and showcasing this art form in the 21st century. We elevate our African American culture, while celebrating African culture.
Founder, Chairman, and Artistic Coordinator: Babadunjo
Olagunké
“Rhythm Nation”
Aida Lette (26'-Leadership Major & Africana Studies Minor) is one of the Co-Presidents’ of Ngoma- “Ngoma has been more than just a club since my freshman year; Its a sanctuary where I can move freely with people closest to me, where acceptance reigns and ostracization has no place!
“Da Step”
Anaiya Forte (26'-Health Studies Major) is one of the CoPresidents’ of Ngoma- “I officially joined Ngoma because everyone was so fun and welcoming, I immediately knew I had family here on campus”
“Pick & Choose”
Kiyah Harris (27'-Art History, VMAP Major & Dance Minor) is the Vice President of Ngoma- \“I wanted to get connected back to dance and Ngoma was the place for me Not only does it challenge me as a dancer but its a space for me to have community with people who look like me”
“Shermixolot”
Kay Lina (26'-PPEL concentration in Politics & Geography Minor) is the Secretary & Music Manager of Ngoma-“I love the fact that Ngoma provides a space for me to have fun and let loose with my friends.”
“Too Short”
Michelle Darfour(26'-Math-Econ Major) is the Treasurer of Ngoma-“Ngoma is a creative and fun break from STEM-heavy coursework. It’s been an intergral part of my life at UR since freshman year and a big highlight ”
“You Better Get It”
Chelsea Waruzi (27'-Health Studies Major) is one of the CoCommunication Chairs’ of Ngoma-“I love Ngoma because it introduced me to my closest friends and it gives me an opportunity to be creative ”
“De’ Ball Change”
Ademinde Ajeigbe (27'-Marketing & Analyics Major) is one of the Co-Communication Chairs’ of Ngoma-“Ngoma was an opportunity for me to not only be a part of a family on campus, but to be in a space where I felt free to express myself and be pulled out of my comfort zone”
“Flo’Je”
Jeannel Dolcy (28'-Health Studies Major, Pre-Med Track) - “I joined Ngoma looking for a space where I could fully be myself, and I definitely found that. It’s just such a great experience getting to dance, connect with amazing people, and step outside the daily routine of classes for a bit”
“Hangry”
Genice Thomas(26'-Geography Major)-“Ngoma has been my community since my first year on campus. I have learned much about myself and the other beautiful Black people walking this campus. It has been safe space to just be and dance, pivotal to my ability to thrive on this campus.”
“Secret Weapon”
Meklet Berihun(27'-Computer Science & Data Science Major)“I enjoy being an Ngoma member because it became such a great family to be a part of and a piece of my identify here on campus.”
“Bread”
Leanna Morris (27'- Biology Major & Health Studies Minor)“Dancing has always been a part of my life, I decided to join Ngoma to make sure I won’t loose my love for dancing, and joining Ngoma has helped me reconnect with my root at such a deeper level.”
“On Time”
Lay’la Harmon(25'-Sociology & Leadership Studies Major) is a graduating senior of this year! -“I enjoy Ngoma as an outlet of expression and discovery. Ngoma has been a steady rock to allow me to find confidence within myself and to grow with amazing students and faculty support A special thank you to Baba D for his unwavering commitment to each of us ””
The Elvin Family
The Modlin Center for the Arts
Alicia Diaz
Samantha Salters
Anne Van Gelder
Erika Stanley
Chris O’Neil
Lay’la Harmon
& Special Thanks to you!