Soulful Currents: Music of Mali, the Middle East & the African Diaspora

Mamadou Sidibe

The instrument that Sidibe plays, a 14-string kamele n’goni, is one that he pioneered. The traditional six-string donso n’goni is used for hunter rituals and ceremonies in the Wassoulou region where Mali, Ivory Coast, and Guinea converge. Sibide faced a good deal of resistance when he started adding strings and playing the instrument with the women who brought the incantatory Wassoulou sound to the world, particularly Coumba Sidibe (no direct relation) and Oumou Sangaré.

Eliyahu Sills

As a highly acclaimed musician of multiple instruments, Eliyahu’s devotion to his craft and his profound understanding of various musical lineages have garnered him recognition and admiration worldwide.

With a deep love and dedication to his art, Eliyahu has immersed himself in the study and performance of multiple musical traditions. These include folkloric and spiritual music of various Middle Eastern lineages, Indian Hindustani Ragas, and the multifaceted branches of African-American music, including Jazz, Soul, and Funk

At the forefront of his musical endeavors stands The Qadim Ensemble, a groundbreaking project that transcends cultural boundaries to bring together the diverse musical traditions of the Middle East. With their CD reaching #7 on Billboard’s World Music charts, The Qadim Ensemble serves as a testament to Eliyahu’s dedication to bringing people of diverse cultures together through the universal language of music..

Eliyahu captivates audiences with his soulful performances on instruments such as the ney (Persian, Turkish, and Arabic reed flutes), the Indian bansuri bamboo flute, the upright bass, electric bass and the oud. Eliyahu’s authenticity and soulful musicianship leave an indelible mark on his listeners.

He performs throughout the country with his critically acclaimed band The Qadim Ensemble and as a solo artist as well as collaborating with many highly acclaimed musicians. Eliyahu continues to enchant audiences nationwide, from large concerts to intimate solo performances.

https://www.youtube.com/@EliyahuSills

EliyahuMusic.com

Kele Nitoto

Kele Nitoto is a second generation African-American percussionist and singer. Born and raised in Oakland, Kele Has studied with Masters of many styles. Over the last 30 years, Kele has performed throughout the country with dance companies, bands, teaching workshops, classes, summer camps, retreats, ceremonies and celebrations.

Currently Kele performs with the Singing the Bones, Lydia Violet, Idris Ackamoor and the Pyramids, and Wildchoir, sharing the stage with the likes of MaMuse, Climbing Poetry, Rising Appalachia and Melanie DeMore.. He is currently holding classes and Song Circles in Oakland

AshEL SeaSunZ Eldridge

AshEL SeaSunZ Eldridge, Chicago born, living in Oakland by way of NY. He has West African/Blackfoot ancestry. He has been working internationally with various shamanic practices since 2005. His ceremonial leadership includes Dagara divinitory and ancestral healing, Japanese spiritual purification, and Galactic Language Activation/Soul Cleansing via Tian Gong. He is Co-founder/Co-Director of Esphera (http://www.esphera.earth/), (umbrella for Essential Food and Medicine (EFAM (http://www.essentialfam.org/)), Solestial Church (http://www.solestial.church/), and Earth Amplified) (http://www.earthamplified.media/), creating liberation through restoring ecosystems, regenerating communities, re-telling our stories, and remembering our divinity. The work spans from recovery support from addiction with the Oakland unhoused to indigenous international hip-hop to Elemental Activism: Rites of Repair (Tantra, Transformative Justice, Quantum Physics, and Divination)

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Please note, the Los Cilantros restaurant will be open for dinner service beginning at 5:30pm. Feel free to bring food and drink from Los Cilantros into La Peña (no outside food/drink).

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