" I have had the pleasure of having Nani as a guest artist at Lawrence University Conservatory of Music on several occasions. His master classes on African dance and drumming, along with his coaching advice with my ensemble, has been inspiring and extremely helpful in advancing the repertoire of the African Drum Ensemble (Kinkaviwo) at Lawrence. In addition, I have witnessed Nani work with students of all ages, elementary to adult, and can say that they ALL respond to his work with enthusiasm and plea for his return.
We are fortunate to have such a gifted artist and teacher of the African traditions in Wisconsin. My students and I look forward to his return to Lawrence."
For three weeks of the fall semester at Tufts University Nani Agbeli was artist-in-residence in the Music Department and Dance Program. Nani team-taught with me in two courses that focus on traditional music and dance of Africa.
In the music course, Nani gave tips about drumming technique, advised students on ways to improve the sound of their playing, and coached them to pay attention to presentation. He emphasized that drummers must energize the dancers.
Nani was dazzling in his movements, musical timing, and connection with audiences at the Kiniwe performance. Nani was the consummate professional during the residency. He carried himself with friendly dignity that inspired respect from students, staff and faculty. He truly was a wonderful representative of his heritage.
I cannot recommend Nani Agbeli highly enough as a performer and teacher of Ghanaian dance and music. He is the best and most dedicated performer of this great musical tradition that I have ever seen. His dancing and playing is spectacular: strong, polished and inventive.
Nani worked for half a day with my students at the Five Colleges. He gave drumming instruction to some students and taught dance to others. He taught with authority, skill and patience. The students were in awe of him. He is also a marvelous entertainer, as became evident when he answered questions from the audience at the end of our performance together! We will be doing our best to have Nani return as often as possible to work with us.
He is a world class treasure. Any school, organization or private student interested in learning about Ghanaian music and culture would be truly fortunate to work with Nani.
Nani was the consummate professional during his 5 days working with me here in NJ too. Thanks for making
him available to us down here, lots of students benefited from their direct contact with him!
I was very moved by the music, dancing and stories. The drumming and dancing were wonderful! I have never felt so moved by music and dance as I did Friday night. Thank you for sharing all those great work with us.
It is wonderful what [Nani does] in spreading the word out about the culture of Ghana.
I would love to see all students and parents spend a year in the shoes of those who live in Ghana.
I was impressed by the dancing, drumming, [and] how happy your family seemed to be. Each student is better off hearing [Nani's] presentation & being part of the show. In the 5 years I have been associated with Richmond, [Nani] being Artist in Residence was one of the best that I have seen.
Nani fully engaged our grade 1-3 students. They were in awe of his ability to play percussion instruments. Nani made the workshop very interactive and the students were excited to be active participants. Each child had the opportunity to learn Gahu dancing, play an instrument, and ask Nani questions about his Ghanaian culture. The students were enthusiastic and demonstrated their elation throw their smiles and laughter. It was quite moving to see the powerful effect that Nani and his music had on our linguistic and culturally diverse students population. For some of the students and staff, Nani validated their cultural backgrounds.
Nani Agbeli is an extremely energetic and charismatic artist. He is truly passionate about his teaching. My students were able to learn authentic drumming, singing, and dancing routines from the Ghanaian culture. They immediately connected with Nani because of his energetic and upbeat presence and stayed engaged because of his expert teaching. Nani’s visits have helped my students develop their musical and social skills. They have learned to work together as an ensemble and have been exposed to the value of learning about different world cultures.
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