Ngoma!

Bringing the vibrant drumming, singing, and dance traditions of Zimbabwe alive, this Humanities Project introduces “ngoma” as a dynamic and evolving cultural practice. Throughout much of Southern Africa, the word “ngoma” means drum; by extension, it can also refer to the general concept of music itself. Yet ngoma also denotes specific musical styles that combine drumming, dance, and song. In addition, there is often a ritual dimension to ngoma, which is fundamental to ceremonies focused around individual and social healing. With its long history of ritual, political, and social significance, ngoma has long been at the center of contests over both colonial and postcolonial musical and social meaning. 

Schedule of Events

Zimbabwean dance workshop with Julia Chigamba and the Chinyakare Ensemble
Thu, November 19, 2015
11:05 AM - 12:20 PM
Spurrier Dance Studio

Ngoma!
Sat, November 21, 2015
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Spurrier Dance Studio
Performance by the Chinyakare Ensemble, with special guest Rujeko Dumbutshena

Ngoma and Social Justice: Transforming Communities through Dance
Mon, November 23, 2015
10:25 AM - 11:40 AM
Gamble Room, Rush Rhees Library
Talk by Rujeko Dumbutshena

Afro-modern ngoma dance workshop with Rujeko Dumbutshena
Tue, November 24, 2015
11:05 AM - 12:20 PM
Spurrier Dance Studio