Interactive Programs for Libraries, Organizations & Special Events
African Village Experience
Libraries and Learning are Fun!
Program Type
Performance with Audience Participation, African Percussion and Village Experience
About the Program
African Village Experience
Onye Onyemaechi, MBA, a world-renowned master percussionist, educator, and performing musician, engages students, teachers, and families in a participatory experience of African village life. His repertoire involves student and children participation in African drumming, dancing, songs, and stories. He uses captivating music, native dress, and instruments presented in a historical and cultural context. All are encouraged to value and integrate their own heritages into their learning and living experiences. Onye toured seventeen Bay Area libraries to celebrate the book "What Is the What" by Dave Eggers. At the de Young Museum, Cultural Encounters commissioned Onye to celebrate and inaugurate the Art of Africa exhibit. He is the author of the richly illustrated The Drum: Voice of the Village; copies are available from the publisher.
What Librarians Say
Families Learn About Africa!
Onye was fantastic. It was inspiring to experience his joy for rhythm, hear the stories of how music and instruments are used to communicate, and get kids moving… on Zoom. Thank you, thank you, for being creative as we try to find balance in this new reality and for continuing these beloved summer programs!
Half Moon Bay Library
Thank you for putting on such a wonderful program. Your high-energy performance never fails to get the crowd dancing and drumming. A great time was had by all. I look forward to having you perform again in the future.
Karen Armendariz
Santa Clara County Library District – Milpitas Library
Onye Onyemaechi and his Village Rhythms performances are inspiring, energetic, and just plain fun! Onye has performed at Summer Reading Club events at my libraries several times, and he always goes above and beyond with his wonderful music. The show is both interactive and educational. Kids and grownups are dancing in the aisles!
Jennifer Weeks
Supervising Librarian at Campbell Library
I attended the Village Rhythms drumming presentation on February 26 and wish to convey my appreciation to library staff and to Mr. Onyemaechi for such an engaging and enlightening event. The world — collectively and individually — sorely needs what was manifest at that event, and Mr. Onyemaechi delivered it to us in no uncertain terms, with thoughtfulness and humor.
Richard Freeman
Berkeley Public Library
Downloads
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Bring African Village Life to Your Library
Available live or virtually. Call during Pacific Time business hours.
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