IHRAF 25: Beneath the Baobab: Seeds of Sankofa

Curated event by Taiwo Aloba

Thursday, December 11th @ 8.30 pm

“Beneath the Baobab: Seeds of Sankofa” unites four acts in a celebration of heritage and defiance. The curtain rises on “Jaja of Opobo” a sweeping theatrical saga of King Jaja of Opobo’s fiery resistance against colonial forces, Congo’s rhythm follows as Jean Loubaki and their troupe erupts into "Sound of Whirlwind" (Dance of Congo), their bodies a blur of hypnotic footwork and polyrhythmic mastery. South Africa’s musical virtuoso, PitsiRa YaMabala, then electrifies the air with his settlor-tinged ballads. Finally, Beninois poet Justin Lokossou mesmerizes with "Mother Tongue", a searing ode to linguistic reclamation, his words resurrecting silenced histories. Together, they gather beneath the Baobab's ancient shade; a testament to Africa’s enduring boldness and brilliance, where art is both memory and revolution.

JAJA of OPOBO

Taiwo Aloba + African Theater Troupe

Short Play

Sound of Whirlwind
Jean Loubaki

Dance of Congo

Son of the Soil of Alkebulan

PitsiRa YaMabala

Music

Mother Tongue

Justin Lokossou

Spoken Word