Djulz Chambers
Djulz has been playing West African percussion since 2000, but her true initiation into its cultural traditions began in 2006, when she undertook a journey to the central West African nations of Burkina Faso and Mali. Over three years, she studied with griot artists through the Sahel and Sub-Saharan regions and was the recipient of traditional knowledge that is the foundation for her playing and teachings today.
From this genesis, Djulz’s passion has led her to collaborate in recording and performance projects with musicians including Paul Isaac (Hawaii), Woven Talon (New Mexico), Chris Berry (New Mexico), Sparrow (Australia), Ganga Giri (Australia) and Adam Rankin (Australia). She has also facilitated traditional West African drumming classes and workshops throughout Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Hawaii and the Northern United States. |
Odai Affotey
Odai Affotey is a traditional custodian of Southern Ghanaian drum and dance knowledge. Growing up in the coastal village of Nungua, Ghana, Odai spent his youth imitating the movement and rhythm of his ancestral legacy. At the age of seven, he was an integral part of the Suadey Cultural Group which later evolved into the Nokoyejen Cultural Group. In his youth, he held directorial and choreographic roles within the Edinkra ensemble and later went on to dance as part of the internationally acclaimed Kusun ensemble, which toured West Africa and parts of the Northern United States. Later in life he held performance and teaching responsibilities with the Salaka Ensemble led by Sydney-based Tuza Afutu, which toured prolifically around Australia as a cultural exchange troupe. Odai first settled into Australia in 2011, when he established his company African Oz Drum ’n’ Dance and is now sharing his skill, knowledge and Ga culture with Australian communities from his base in Melbourne.
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