YMI to Host a Soumu
by Kelly Denson
On Saturday, February 25 from 6 to 10 p.m., the YMI Cultural Center at 39 S. Market St. sets the stage for Asheville’s first Soumu, or in West African lingo, a celebration of dancing, singing, food, and music.
The evening will offer a dinner of flavors from West Africa, including seafood soupe kandia, and chicken and vegetable mafé, plus wines and beer from Pisgah and Wedge brewing companies. Entertainment includes West African drumming and dance demonstrations, a performance by Belle Afrique, and music by Zansa.
Tickets are $15 at the door, $10 for ages 12 and younger. Admission
includes dinner plus two drink tickets. All proceeds benefit Adama
Dembele in an effort to help him get his permanent Green Card for U.S.
citizenship.
Adama Dembele is a 33rd-generation djembe player from the Ivory Coast in
West Africa. He has performed with various internationally recognized
acts, including Oumou Sangare, Angelique Kidjo, and Salif Keita. He has
lived in Asheville for five years, teaching drumming workshops and
performing with local bands.
