The Sound of a Different Drum

Ananse is the spider-trickster god of West African folklore, similar to the coyote-trickster of the Indians of the American Southwest. Because all art is a kind of fiction or trickery, Ananse also is the god of stories and entertainment—and a good name for the dance and drum troupe from Ghana that performs Wednesday at Moravian.
The company is led by David Etse Nyadedzor Brown, who is based in Syracuse, New York. He is an adjunct professor of music at Syracuse University. He also coordinates a drumming group, one of whose members is Trish Glazebrok, a visiting professor of philosophy last year at Moravian. She recommended Ananse to the Arts and Lectures Committee.

Photo treatment by Michael Wilson

Nyadedzor trained as a drummer with Salamta, affiliated with the Center for National Culture in the Ghanaian capital of Accra. He also has played at the Dance Factory, part of the National Theater in Accra, and was a founding member of the group Aziza, whose other members come from the Pan-African Orchestra. He founded Ananse in 1993. Most of the members emigrated to the United States in 1997, though some still live in Africa.

Anase offers material from several countries of west, central and southern Africa, including a Zulu warrior dance from South Africa and ritual drumming patterns of Senegal, Gambia and Guinea.
It also represents the rich music and dance heritage of Ghanaian tribal groups with works such as “Sekyie” from the Fante of central Ghana; “Bawa” from the Dagomba of northern Ghana; and “Kpanlogo” from the Ga fishermen of Accra.
One of its signature works is “Fume Fume,” commissioned by Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of independent Ghana, to create a national music and dance work for his young country.

Ananse performes at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, in Foy Concert Hall. Tickets: $10, $5 seniors/students. Ext. 1650.

Photo treatment by Michael Wilson