Wulaba

WULABA means "tradition", and the message of this dance/drum/song ensemble is that establishing and maintaining links with tradition is essential to a fulfilled and satisfying life. While none of the members currently performing in Australia were born or raised in West Africa, we all have varying degrees of identification with the vibrant, life-affirming culture of this part of the world.

Some of us have travelled there, studied there, established relationships and friendships there. Some of us have studied West African culture in Australia from West Africans living here - like Mohamed Bangoura and King Marong, and from Australians like Chris Lesser who pioneered the links between Australia and West Africa. The colourful costumes draw from a number of ethnic sources - Mandinka, Fula, Sousou among others - and represent the multiculturalism that is West Africa.

At each performance, beaded hats made from gourds are placed on the stage to signify that the space where we perform is dedicated to that performance and that we who perform there are protected from harm. The songs and dances we perform speak about the traditions of respect for oneself, one's family, the environment and the richness of human diversity.

WULABA members are…

DANCERS Mariama Kamara, Shonah Hill, Brooke Hutchins, Beulah Joseph

SINGERS Kerry Smith, Ruth Kennedy

DRUMMERS Shan Klöse, Neda Rahmani, Madhurii, Anita Larkin, Anne Harkin

CHOREOGRAPHY Foday Camara

Contact: 61 (3) 9381 1186, 0417 036 108

email       kamara4@yahoo.com