Trip Update, Zambia

Zambia has been a mix of challenge and good fortune. I have been lucky to work with some the most respected & talented artists in this country. I have interacted with people from all walks of life -- politicians, radio and TV producers/presenters, families, etc. The incredible team of artists at Benecho Arts & Culture Consultancy have been an invaluable hosts and asset to me. Thank you George, Philip, Emmanuel and Richard. Without your assistance, I couldn't have linked up with all these dance companies, and pulled off appearances on ZNBC radio and the African Rise TV show.
african dance, african singing, community building, nii armah sowah

This past week was particularly tough, working 6-8hour days, with two dance groups each day. I am humbled to be learning from and sharing my work with fellow Africans in different countries. It is particularly fascinating to see the common themes in our cultures, our challenges and our aspirations. I had a fabulous time last Friday working with an enthusiastic bunch of youngsters at the Africa Direction Youth Center, in Mutendere, Lusaka. Couldn't have ended on a better note. I am tempted to return on monday to honor the kid's request, but doubt it will happen, due to time constraints. Today, I was the guest of honor at a performance by Kulamba, a Chewa masquerade dance group, at the John Lengi "compound." Fascinating!!!!! Zambia, like many African countries, is rich in culture and traditions. It breaks my heart to see most of these slowly disappearing. Yes, we must move forward, but with deliberate caution. Because, not all movement is forward. Throwing the baby away with the bath water is not a smart thing to do. I get fired up when it comes to the role of the arts in community and nation building. The following quote partly captures the essence of my work.

"It's good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven't lost the things that money can't buy." - George Lorimer

Flowers On My Birthday

I require my African singing and dance students to be present in every moment, and to dance fully—with body, mind, and soul. We all have the potential; we have what it takes to be amazing. But very often we hold back, because of insecurities, fear, self-judgment, or fear of being judged. And so, for the most part of the semester, the energy is not completely ripe. But the amazing thing is, whenever we have a midterm or an exam or a special guest, for some reason people come out with ridiculous energy or an amazing display of skill and talent. The question is where do we keep this energy in our daily practice?
Flowers

The interesting thing is that students believe that because they give it all on this particular special day, that somehow that absolves them from all the laziness and half-ass work they have done all semester. Everybody has the seed, we just have to nurture the seed daily with our passion and find the environment that helps us maximize our potential. If we do that every day, that is love for ourselves, we don’t have to wait for a special day to do something. Every day is your event, don’t just do it on your birthday or for an exam. Life is short.

I once received a story about a couple. For most of the year, one got abused on a regular basis, but for some reason, when it came time for their birthday, they got the biggest bouquet and the biggest treats. The question is, is there love in this relationship?

So when I teach, I say, I don’t want you to give me flowers on my birthday, I want you to give me love me every day.