Rasaki's Drums and Nigeria's Yorubá

When Rasaki drums, even the spirits dance….

This half-hour film:

• reminds us that Africa is a diverse continent home of ancient civilizations;

• shows some of the influences West Africa’s Yorubá rhythms and drums have had on North America;

• gives background on the culture of an ethnic group important in America, especially to African Americans;

• demonstrates some of the broader significance of drums and drumming;

The documentary, part of a series-in-progress (Speaking of Rhythm) has screened in festivals in four countries.

--drumming and dancing which are echoed in America.--

Host an event and introduce your audience to West African, especially Yorubá, culture. With the film we offer a choice of a drumming circle with Rasaki, a talk on West African culture, or a round-table discussion.

Rasaki Aladokun, a man with an infectious laugh, is a master drummer from Nigeria who comes from the Yorubá ethnic group. Born and raised in Nigeria, he toured the world with King Sunny Adé (the “King of Juju Music”) before settling down with his wife and children in Oakland, California.

Through Rasaki we discover that the rhythms and drums are essential for traditional masquerade dancing, as well as weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies and other important life events. In fact, these drums and rhythms are not only essential to Yorubá culture but for centuries have also strongly influenced North and South America as well as all of West Africa.

ABOVE: Rasaki with his youngest son, Ayanbucola Aladokun

Mailing Address:

Palomino Productions
P.O. Box 8565
Berkeley, CA. 94707, USA