African music and storytelling

In connection with 'Human Cargo' we offered some family-friendly events that aimed to highlight the richness and diversity of West African culture.

Our first event was a day of African themed interactive storytelling sessions, suitable for anyone aged 4 and up.

Led by professional storyteller David Heathfield, the sessions were attended by hoards of children and featured folktales that celebrated the rich and varied folklore West Africans took from their homelands to places such as the Americas and the West Indies.

The sounds of West Africa then filled the air at the museum in late October 2007 when world music artist and performer, Seckou Keita, ran a series of free music workshops in connection with the exhibition.

Working with different age groups throughout the day, Seckou offered a unique musical experience based on singing and clapping rhythms from traditional and popular West African songs. Small percussion instruments were provided for nearly 100 attendees, who had plenty of fun and learned more about West African music and culture at the same time.