(Philadelphia, September 5, 2012)—In “a celebration of ability” that is “sheer pleasure” (New York Times), the Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi make their thrilling return to the United States for the first time since their sold-out 2006 tour. Comprised of 22 musicians on 20 drums, the heart-stopping rhythms and athletic dancing of this ensemble channel the creative spirit of a nation. This performance will take place on Wednesday, October 3 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $20-$55 (prices are subject to change). For tickets or for more information, please visit AnnenbergCenter.org or call 215.898.3900. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Annenberg Center Box Office.
Rooted in tradition and shrouded in mystery, the Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi have performed the same way for centuries, passing down traditions and techniques from father to son. Their powerful drums were a part of sacred events, including births, funerals and the enthronement of kings, and they remain a symbol of the powers of fertility and regeneration to this day. To call them simply drummers, however, is an understatement, as their performance is “strikingly similar to what happens in a jazz jam session—more virtuosic than sentimental" (New York Times).
Their performance centers around four main drums. The large drums "Ingoma" are made from hollowed tree trunks covered with skin. The "Amashako" drums provide a continuous beat, and the "Ibishikiso" drums follow the rhythm of the central "Inkiranya" drum. The thunderous sound of the drums fused with the striking yet elegant dance that accompanies this performance represents an important part of Burundi's musical heritage.
Since the 1960s, the Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi have toured outside of their country as a popular attraction at concert halls and festivals around the world. Their mass drum sound, or the "Burundi beat" as it has become known, has caught the ear of several Western musicians including a collaboration on Joni Mitchell's, The Hissing of Summer Lawns (1975). Their distinctive tone has also influenced British rock bands of the early 1980s, such as Adam and the Ants and Bow Wow Wow. It was seeing the drummers that inspired Thomas Brooman to organize the first World of Music, Arts and Dance Festival in 1982, an event that helped to spark the world music boom.
The Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi recorded at Real World Studios in 1993 and released a live album on the Real World Label. Other recordings followed including The Master Drummers of Burundi in 1994 and The Drummers of Burundi in 1999. In 2006, the company undertook a sold-out, six-week coast-to-coast tour of the United States and Canada.
African Roots Series
The Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi are the first of three African Roots presentations in the 12/13 season at the Annenberg Center. Upcoming presentations include Acoustic Africa: Afropean Woman on Saturday, November 10 at 8 PM; and Hugh Masekela on Sunday, April 14 at 7 PM.
INSIGHTS
September 28 at 6:30 PM
Audience members can enjoy a pre-show Taste of Burundi, featuring complimentary appetizers in the Main Lobby. This event is first come, first served.
