The Rev. Canon George Kwari wrote in the Feb. issue of Crosstalk (p.8) that “This year, St. Stephen’s is focusing on Black music in an attempt to help our community understand the context within which the African-American music grew in order to gain a deeper appreciation of the Black people’s music.”

The parish invited the Juno-award winning music artist Sadio Sissoko to teach an interactive drumming session. “Through Sadio’s teachings, we will gain a deeper understanding of the rhythmic beats of African drums, which hold a vital role in African customs, particularly in worship and community celebrations,” Kwari wrote.

Sissoko, who came to Canada from Senegal, is a talented multi-instrumentalist who offered the more than 120 people who attended lessons in drumming. He performed beautiful songs he has written and accompanied himself playing the kora, a traditional African string instrument, which has a harp-like sound.

Sissoko speaks mostly French. He shared his thoughts and instructions throughout the music session through his translator and partner Nicole Glaze.

He explained that he was born into a family of musicians who have a special place in Sengalese society. Griots, as they are known, are taught to play by the elders in their family and they are called upon to bring peace when there is conflict in families or larger political problems. His songs included one that called for peace and another about his mother, which he dedicated to all mothers.

Then it was time to pass out the drums. There were not enough for the large crowd that attended, but people, young and old, willingly shared with one another and took turns drumming.

Standing in the middle of the large circle, Sissoko began teaching some simple rhythms with the drums and clapping, and before long the whole room was more or less in sync and loving it.

The crowd was also delighted to learn that Glaze was not only there to translate from French to English, but to dance and to lead anyone who wanted to try some African dance moves.

Young and old enthusiastically joined in all the activities and it was great fun indeed. Thanks to all the wonderful chefs in the parish who prepared a delicious array of dishes.

(Watch for more photos in the March edition of Perspective.)

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Friday, Feb. 2, 6 pm – 9 pm

On Friday, Feb. 2 at 6 pm, the talented and enthusiastic multi-instrumentalist Sadio Sissoko will set the tone of our month-long celebration. The participants can expect to use more than 25 drums and multiple instruments. Through Sadio’s teachings, we will gain a deeper understanding of the rhythmic beats of African drums, which hold a vital role in African customs, particularly in worship and community celebrations. In African communities, drums hold the same significance as organs and pianos, as they are integral to both traditional and religious music. A Zimbabwean Anglican Church service without the use of drums is comparable to a Christmas Eve service at Christ Church Cathedral without the accompaniment of organ music. I think that truly understanding the art of drumming is a way to honour the deep roots and cultural significance of the Black African Community.

Sadio’s enthusiasm and expertise are sure to make this learning experience both educational and enjoyable for everyone. Sadio plays the djembé, sabar, doun-doun and tama (talking drum). Sadio is a singer, dancer, musician and songwriter. In 2018 and 2019, he won the Juno Award for best world music group in Canada with the group Okavango.

Anyone may join in on the fun at this exciting event. The bigger the group, the livelier the atmosphere. All that’s needed is your sense of wonder, desire to learn, and an open mind and heart.

Along with the drumming we will feast on delectable African-Caribbean dishes

Since St. Stephen’s boasts a diverse representation of people of African and Caribbean descent, be sure to come hungry and indulge in the delectable dishes from the African Caribbean Community.  On the menu you can expect dishes like sadza and fat cooks, as well as international favorites such as Nigerian jollof rice, rice and pigeon peas, conch fritters, and jerk chicken.

Sunday Feb. 4, 10 am

The Voices of Praise referred to as the “funky disciples of Gospel” will be the guest choir at the Sunday Eucharistic service and will lead the congregation in worship, praise and dance.

This year, St. Stephen’s is focusing on Black music in an attempt to help our community understand the context within which the African-American music grew in order to gain a deeper appreciation the Black people’s music.

I once read an article about an accomplished musician who casually played more like a token, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” The musician was surprised when Black ministers and members of the congregation began to look at him uncomfortably. The musician failed to recognize that Black songs were a product of slavery, colonization, and apartheid. The melody was a signal that the time for freedom had arrived. In addition, the song can trigger strong emotional responses in those who encounter racism in their daily lives, whether it is subtle or blatant. “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” was sung at Harriet Tubman’s funeral and became an unofficial underground anthem during apartheid in South Africa. The rich tapestry of African-American music is woven with the threads of pain, resistance, sorrow, and a tumultuous history of bigotry, violence, and oppression.

African-American songwriter and storyteller Courtney Ariel, in “How not to appropriate: a guide for white people,” for Sojourners magazine offers the following advice, “Listen. Lead with empathy, always. Be mindful when appropriation becomes misappropriation and exploitation. You are human, lovely and amazing. You did not create these constructs and systems. But you might likely be in a position to affect positive change through awareness, greater understanding and meaningful action. I pray you choose to do so.”

Prior to singing or playing a song by an African-American writer, be sure to dedicate time to understanding its history and culture, and deliver a meaningful rendition. Although music is meant to be shared and enjoyed by everyone, it can cause issues when there is a lack of understanding about its historical and cultural roots.

May your Black History Month celebrations be filled with positivity and joy. Join us for a delicious feast and then dance the night away!

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