St. Stephen’s in Ottawa hosted a party on Feb. 14 that included a wonderful buffet of African and Caribbean dishes and an interactive drumming workshop from Juno-award winning musician Sadio Sissoko.
Originally from Senegal, Sissoko travelled from Montreal to share his music with more than 100 people of all ages. He was welcomed back enthusiastically after offering a similar workshop last year, and many of those who attended last year returned wanting more.
Sissoko brought many drums with him, and they were distributed and shared among those who wanted to try drumming. He led the group through drumming rhythms and patterns until the whole hall resonated with the music and energy.
His partner Nicole Glaze, who has studied African dance extensively, danced and invited everyone to come dance as well.
Sissoko also closed the evening with quieter songs played on the kora, a traditional African string instrument, which has a harp-like sound.
Saint John, Innisville — Deanery of the Southwest