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Entertainment of Friday, 29 August 2003

Source: Heritage

Kusum Gboo Outdoors "Worminba" With A Bang

The Kusum Gboo Dance Ensemble, a traditional African Music and Dance Company based in Accra, last week launched its second album Worminba with an impressive performance at the British Council Hall.

The eight-track album comprises a series of dramatic compositions by the leader of the group, Richard Danquah, inspired by indigenous rhythms and songs that reveal a real African celebration.

Worminba, a Ga word which translates into "we are coming" in English, consists of intelligent musical arrangements that are based on a complex and brilliant set of traditional rhythms.

Each track on the album has varied drum rhythms, perfectly exposing the unlimited power of African drums.

Like its name Kusum Gboo (Tradition never dies), the group’s second album Worminba is a quick reminder of its preparedness to come to the rescue of traditional African music and dance which is slowly dying from our society.

The evening saw some intriguing dance movements from Kusum Gboo, led by a versatile Richard Danquah and the Hewale Sounds.

The Kusum Gboo Dance Ensemble also used the event to honour Emeritus Professor J.H. Kwabena Nketia, a renowned ethnomusicologist and Director, International Centre for African Music and Dance, University of Ghana, Legon, for his immense contributions to the sustenance, development and promotion of traditional African music and dance in Ghana.

The event was sponsored by the British Council, KLM, Gateway Services Limited, Joenet Solutions, Alliance Francaise, Radio Gold 90.5FM, Radio Universe 105.7FM and Altantis Radio 87.9FM.