Rhythms of Resilience: The Cross-Atlantic Journey of African Rhythm

See how the pulse of Africa crossed the Atlantic to lay the unbreakable foundation for blues, jazz, salsa, reggae, and hip-hop live at KALW.
About this Event

Join KALW Public Media for an evening celebrating the enduring influence of African musical traditions through conversation, storytelling, live demonstrations, and community.

Hosted by Emmanuel Nado of Africa Mix, this special program will trace the remarkable journey of African rhythms across the Atlantic and explore how they became the foundation of blues, jazz, salsa, reggae, hip-hop, and countless other musical traditions.

Together, we'll explore:

• The history and resilience of African musical traditions
• The power of polyrhythm and traditional African instruments
• The role of storytelling in preserving culture across generations
• How African music transformed the cultural landscape of the Americas
• Why these traditions continue to inspire artists and communities today

The evening also includes live musical demonstrations, opportunities for audience conversation, and food that celebrates the richness of African culture.

Whether you're a musician, history lover, dancer, educator, or simply curious about the roots of the music that moves us, this is an opportunity to experience the rhythms that continue to connect people across continents and generations.

Dr. Yacine Badian Kouyate holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of California at Davis, and a Master of Science in Genetics from Moscow State University in Russia. A student of cultural history Dr. Kouyate stewards the wisdom and traditions of thousands of years of the Bambara and Dogon peoples.

A singer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, performer and producer, Dr. Kouyate was a founding member of popular Davis band "Civil Rhythm" in the late 80s band at the forefront of the Anti Apartheid mouvement. Dr Kouyate has shared the stage with such music luminaries as Salif Keita, Toumani Diabate, Miriam Makeba, Khalil Shaheed, Eddie Marshal, Richard howel, Hugh Masakela and Cecil Taylor.

His teaching and speaking engagements – on the music and spiritual traditions of Africa, microbiology, the intersections of ancient wisdom and modern science, and other topics – have taken him to Stanford University, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, California Institute of Integral Studies, Mills College, Naropa Institute, New York University, Columbia University, Wisdom University to name a few.

Val Serrant is a legendary Trinidadian percussionist, recording artist, and educator based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Known for his mastery of the steelpan and various Afrikan hand drums, he has collaborated with world-renowned musicians like Sikiru Adepoju and Zakir Hussain, and is the owner of Parry’s Pan School.
Serrant has deep roots in Roots, Calypso, and global fusion music. His recent discography includes featured performances on albums like Glowing Ash - Volume One (2025) and Glowing Ash - Volume Two (2025), as well as his notable work with the band Riddim Doctors. In the Bay Area, he actively performs and shares his cultural knowledge of rhythm.
Moderated by

Emmanuel Nado is at the forefront of promoting African music and culture in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is from Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa, a country which for many years has been the crossroad of African popular music. As a journalist, promoter and radio producer, Nado is an active force in the African music scene in the U.S. In the early '90s, his published articles on African music and the artists were eye openers to many Bay Area African music aficionados.

Nado produces and hosts Africa Mix. His dance mixes are infectious. Visit for playlists.

There is a $10 - $20 sliding scale suggested donation for this event. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

Please become a KALW member today and receive your first drink on us at all 220 Montgomery events.

📍 220 Montgomery St., San Francisco, 2 blocks from BART/MUNI

🚪 Reception doors open at 5:00

🗣️ Discussion begins at 6:00

🆓 The event is free with an RSVP — and you are welcome to donate what you want

Please note:

• The event space is just to the left of the main entrance to the Mills Building at 220 Montgomery Street
• We recommend taking BART/MUNI, exiting at Montgomery, and walking two blocks north
• Ride-shares can drop off and pick up directly in front of the venue
• If you drive, there are several garages within two blocks of the event location; free street parking is available across from the venue at 7:00 pm

Agenda

🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Doors & Mingling
🕑: 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Africa Night Live