Cultural showcase by Teamwork Arts at India Africa Summit ’15

New Delhi is hosting the third India Africa Forum Summit. The IAFS 2015 is the largest so far where 50 heads of state and government from across the African continent have assembled in the capital, making it one of the largest ever gatherings of world leaders in India.

A unique cultural programme - a tribute to Africa and India relations was presented on October 29th at the State Banquet hosted by the H'onble President of India at the famed Mughal Gardens against the backdrop of a beautifully illuminated Rashtrapati Bhawan.  The evening was a collaborative effort of over 250 musicians and artistes from across Africa and various Indian states, symbolising the harmony of voices and ideas and celebrating the rich cultural heritage that abounds on both continents.

Artistes from 8 African regions hosted by ICCR collaborated with over 20 Indian dance, martial arts and music artiste groups to create this special evening.

The evening witnessed a confluence of multiple vocal genres including traditional African melodies, Acapella Choirs, Rajasthani folk, Sufi and Bhakti as well as musical arrangements of unique instruments including the traditional Panchavadyam from Kerala, the Nagadas from Rajasthan, the Ethiopian drums (confirm name), the Malian Kora - a west African 21 string harp, and the Dollu - a percussion instrument from northern Karnataka.

Traditional dances in collaboration were showcased from the whirling dervishes of the Egyptian Tanoura interspersed with Rajasthani folk Kalbelia dancers, from the Kalaripayattu martial art of Kerala to the masked martial dancers of the Indian Chhau dance and the Makishi masked dancers from the Luvale, Mbunda and Chokwe Luchazi people of Zambia as well as traditional temple dances including the Gotipua from Konark, Churkala, Oddissi and Theyyam.

Designed by Sanjoy K Roy and Teamwork Arts, the music was scored by violin maestro Sharat Chandra Srivastava and choreography by Gilles Chuyen and has been presented by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).