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 the troupe MFOUAMBILA erupts into "Makinu Ma Kongo" (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

Makinu Ma Kongo

Andoche Loubaki & the Mfouambila Kongo Dance Company

Dance of Congo

Son of the Soil of Alkebulan

PitsiRa YaMabala

Music

Mother Tongue

Justin Lokossou

Spoken Word