In his work as a multi-instrumentalist, singer, dancer, actor, and educator, Grammy Award-wining Haruna Walusimbi embodies the holistic nature of East African Ngoma repertoire. In addition to his many accomplishments in Uganda, Haruna has achieved international renown as an educator, musician, and actor, performing a leading role in the film Throw Down Your Heart, produced by American banjo legend Bela Fleck, and acting alongside Forest Whitaker in the Academy Award winning film The Last King of Scotland. Haruna will be joined by UWO Percussion Professor Alison Shaw and students from the UWO Percussion Ensemble, along with guest artist Dr. Mark Stone, Professor of World-Music and International Studies at Oakland University. Haruna’s teaching and performance at UWO will focus primarily on the Embaire (Ugandan Xylophone) and the Akogo (Ugandan Kalimba).
As in other African countries, the music, dance, and theatre of Uganda are not viewed separately, but rather as a single art form. This holistic approach to the performing arts is embodied in Bantu languages by the term Ngoma. Haruna will share his deep knowledge of East African culture with the UWO Music Students while on campus April 30 through May 4, leaving them with a heightened understanding and appreciation of the art form known as Ngoma. The highlight of the residency will be a multi-discipline concert on Monday May 4 in the A/C Music Hall. The concert will be at 7:30 PM.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAVD4i100UM
(Video link of Haruna’s group Nile Beat Artists performing the Entogoro Dance)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeyxBUV-3ek
(Video link of Haruna performing his original composition Amagombe with Bela Fleck)
$6.00 General Admission
$4.00 non-UW Oshkosh Students
$1.00 Children 12 and under
FREE UW Oshkosh students with University I.D.