 Photograph: Sacha Schweda | Etienne JosephWith a rich knowledge of the music of the African Diaspora and numerous hours spent under the expert tutelage of Caribbean percussion master Oginga Osaze, Etienne's role in Abela is two-fold:
As a percussionist and music tutor, he facilitates drum workshops for participants of a wide age range. Etienne has worked with Afro-caribbean music across three continents, having featured on the programs of festivals in Jamaica, France, Slovenia, Morocco, Russia and at home in the UK. This experience serves to enrich his understanding of sound and it's inter-cultural learning applications. This work stretches into the digital realm where Etienne's knowledge of multimedia creation platforms enables sonic and visual design as part of Rolling Sound's countrywide initiative for at-risk youth for whom he delivers a range of accredited skills development programs. As a cultural researcher, Etienne's sustained focus on the traditional cultures of the African diaspora adds extra volume to the depth and range of Abela's services. Closely involved with both the Black Cultural Archives and the movement specific archives of IRIE! Dance Theatre, Etienne's enthusiasm for both heritage and youth places him well to foster connections between the two, enabling both young and old to foster connections with their collective cultural heritage. You can visit Etienne's website here. |
Abela - Cultural Arts for Education and Performance
