Kente Dance Extravaganza in Philly

An Akan oracle often says that when their great god, Odomankoma created the universe he also created three things: Adansi Bona, Kweku Ananse and the Kente cloth. Kente, and Ananse are as axiomatic of Ghana as Joseph and his Technicolor dream coat is to the Israelites. To talk about the origins and grandeur of the Kente cloth is to talk about the world renowned fable stories of Ananse. Outside of Ghana nothing defines Ghana's cultural attributes more than its gold ornaments, kente clothes, and the town of Bonwire; the town where it is said the first kente was woven and presented to the Asantehene, after the natives have espied on a spider (Ananse) at work in the bush. Truth be told many forms of Kente exists across Ghana but that is not what this article is about. Some little birdie told me the best Kente ever woven, called Adweneasa (wits end) was presented to the great king during the marriage of Anansewa.

The kente is a celebrated cultural icon in Ghana and we as Ghanaians are very proud to see its exploits and embrace in the new world by our kith and kin in the Diaspora, especially on college campuses and in African-American dominant churches where strips of Kente cloth are worn as sashes to grace major important occasions.


It is to this end that we are excited about the up and coming Kente Dance Extravaganza, Philly style on June 03, 2006. On this note let's put our hands together and applaud Kojo Bonsu and organizers of the first ever Kente Dance 2005. They deserve a huge round of applause for setting the stage to promote the Kente fashion and what is now a Kente dance fever which has hit the US shores. Not only is the kente dance to promote the fashion but it is also to put money in the pockets of weavers as demands for the kente cloths has skyrocketed.


As I am writing Kente dance fever has gripped Philadelphia, Columbus Ohio, Chicago, Washington and New York like a savanna bush fire. More importantly, this article is geared towards the one in Philadelphia scheduled on June 3rd, 2006, at the North American Motor Inn on City Line Avenue (Flyers have been circulating so grab a copy). Three local area compatriots have gotten together to bring the experience to Philadelphia. They have termed the event; "Kente Dance Extravaganza Philly Style" and are making huge waves in the area. It involves four of the biggest Ghanaian heavy hitters in America:


a) DJ Elove, aka, New York's finest, and a cut above the rest, b) Lord Ahimsa, New Jersey's legendary DJ, c) Sam Q, Chicago's finest and more admired DJ, and d) DJ A1, Philly's Premier DJ.


The four entertainers in spite of their busy schedules took a little time to disclose they are in their studios and working on series of mixes which has never been heard before for this grand event. The Extravaganza is also considered as setting the stage for Ghana's national team, the Black Stars, maiden World Cup appearance in Germany on November 12th.

Sources in Philly say many of our women folks have ordered special kente style/designs for the event as they want to be recognized as the best dressed kente persons. They want to also showcase the various designs that kente has to offer. Come and see the special Kaba designs. A little birdie told me, the men are not being left behind either. Some are already practicing their special moves. Call it Asa bone, they don?t give a damn. They would stomp the grounds at the North American Motor Inn.


The Kente Extravaganza is filled with surprises (including famous artistes) and those who are familiar with the DJs involved have made it a must attend event. The heavy hitters have lined up; various mixes of Highlife, Hiplife, old school, new school, R&B, Hip-hop, Reggae and the best hits ever heard. They are encouraging those who have not purchased their tickets to do so as tickets are running fast.


Sponsored by: a) North American Airlines (Direct flight to Ghana, www. North Americanair.com). b) Universal Shipping Company in New Jersey, IFA Group Network, Executive Travels, Black Star Travel and Tours, www. Blackstartours.com).


The event would exclusively be published on; Ghanaweb, Ghanamusic.com, Ghananewsreel.com, Ghanatoday.com, Sikaradio.com, Dondoweb, and will be featured in Dondo, Personality, The New Ghanaian Newspaper, Weekend Times, Daily Guide and Graphic Showbiz.


The organizers also offer their sincere thanks in advance to the members of the media mentioned for their immense support.