Student body moves to the African beat

Student body moves to the African beat

Master Drummer Dramane Kone brought an African twist to the Thursday Concert Series, which was held in the Performing Arts Department mainstage on Thursday, Feb. 28.

Kone kicked off the concert with a little bit of background information about himself such as his birthplace of Burkina Faso and also how he is fluent in multiple instruments such as the piano, guitar, bass, and multiple types of African drums.

“I do not know how to read music,” Kone said. “I just pick it up and play it.”

Kone said how he grew up playing music and that the way he learned was from picking the instrument up and watching others play it while he attempted to figure it out.

Kone would then invite members of the audience to join him in traditional song and dance on the stage.

The master drummer would then go on to answer questions about his homeland as well as answer questions about himself.

Kone would go on to describe what it was like leaving West Africa at the age of 16 to perform in Europe, and then moving to America to provide a better life for his family as well as his people back home in Burkina Faso, Africa.

During the questions, Kone would mention that he has had the opportunity to meet some stars such as popular pop star Taylor Swift.

According to Kone, he also played a role in the soundtrack for one of the biggest films of 2018, “Marvel’s Black Panther.”

Kone would go on to do a drum solo from the famous 2010 FIFA World Cup official song “Waka Waka” by Shakira.

After answering questions Kone moved on to tell a traditional African tale of an evil king and a handicapped boy who would go on to overthrow the evil king.

Kone then talked about the difference in happy and sad rhythms.

“There is a rhythm for everything in Africa,” Kone said. “Happy, sad or whatever it may be, there is a rhythm for everything.”

Later in the show, the Pierce Choir joined in with an impromptu performance that goes on to captivate the crowd and lift them out of their seats.

Kone would end the performance by telling the audience about his admiration for the United States and his appreciation for the opportunities he’s been granted.

“I love America and all of you. I’m so grateful to be here to share my culture and knowledge,” Kone said.

The next free concert will be by Simone Sello on Thursday, Mar. 7 from 1-2 p.m. on the mainstage in the performing arts building.