NEW DELHI: From the ancient sounds of Malian storyteller to the rythmphic footwork of an Ethiopian dancer, the cultural bonanza for the African heads of states and governments at Rashtrapati Bhawan will also include a touch of home.
As per sources in India’s cultural diplomacy wing ICCR, India has invited 8 groups of artists from Africa to showcase their performance, alongside that of Indian artists at the mega dinner to be hosted by President of India for the 40-odd leaders from African continent. This is part of India’s effort to not monopolise such a platform, but rather show the synergies between the two cultures – both of them very ancient and diverse, said officials.
Besides Rashtrapati Bhawan, there will also be a cultural component on the plenary meeting of the Summit on Oct 29. There will also be cultural programs at the nightly dinners for senior officials and ministers.
From Mali, two artists with a legendary heritage will be showcasing their performance of the oral history tradition of sub-saharan Africa.
Thirty-year-old Sidiki Diabate is the 71st generation in his family who are playing the kora, which is sometimes described as a bridge between a harp and a string lute. His compatriot, Hawa Kasse Mady Diabate is the daughter of the legendary griot singers – who had an exalted position in past centuries as they were the repository of oral tradition.
The there are five dance groups from Uganda, Egypt, Zambia and Ghan, who will be demonstrating the vibrancy of their physical art.
The Egyptian ‘Mawlawyiah’ uses music and whirl dancing which not only show a link to Sufi islam, but also to ancient pharaonic rituals.
Ghana will be represented by its national dance ensemble, which was established in 1962 by the government. It has since been Ghana’s flagship cultural instrument to promote its music and dance heritage.
Perhaps, the most interesting showcase would be that of a choir group formed by African students who are living in Delhi. ‘The Vessel’ sing the gospel, but also about contemporary issues in their native languages.
After they perform for VIPs, the African groups will be fanning out to east and west of the country. In November, Guwahati will be the venue for the performance of the 8-member Ethiopian dance group, while Vadodara will have a bigger menu with performances by groups from Ethiopia, Uganda, Ghana and Zambia.