Friends of Afrotonic promoting African Development & Community

ARK1 (Western Australia)

ARK1 stands for “One Act of Random Kindness” and its mission is to help fight poverty in Africa by providing local communities access to the tools & training necessary to achieve long-term self-sufficiency in a healthy environment, starting with the village of Yoff in Senegal ( West Africa ) and gradually spreading to neighbouring villages and beyond. Founded by Philip Reed and supported by Afrotonic, find out how you can make a difference on www.ark1.org.au

Azasou (Western Australia)

Azasou (pronounced Azan-soo) means ‘the right moment’ or ‘celebration time’ and originates from the Ewe tribe in the Volta region of Ghana. Founded by Kwame Selormey from Afrotonic, Azasou aims to empower communities that are marginalized in Australia and Africa as well as facilitate exchanges between diverse groups using Open Space Technology. It also promotes inter-cultural trade and travel so that people can experience the diversity of cultures and purchase handmade goods while sharing their own stories. For more detail, check out www.azasou.com.au

Performing Friends of Afrotonic

AKWAABA Drumming Classes & Performances (Western Australia)

Led by Paul Osei Kofi from Ghana accompanied by Djibril Diagne from Senegal and other talented drummers, AKWAABA is a high-energy African percussion ensemble that will get you groovin’ on the dance floor. AFROTONIC regularly performs with AKWAABA. www.akwaaba.com.au

Bangourake (Melbourne)

Born in a Griot family, Mohamed Bangoura (also known as Bangourake) is an amazing master drummer from Guinea who's life has been totally dedicated to the music and traditions of his country. Mohamend Bangoura regularly comes to Perth to conduct workshops and shows. www.djembekan.net

Dunumba (Fremantle)

Led by Alastair Van Schoor, Dunumba brings an exciting performance of traditional African songs, zimbabwean mbira music and the amazing wooden sounds of the South African marimbas.
www.dunumba.com.au

Ekome Tours (Melbourne)

Tuza and Simon founded Ekome tours together to promote West African culture through drum & dance tuition and performance as well as through the organisation of tours in Ghana . Tuza regularly comes to Perth to conduct workshops and shows. www.ekometours.com.au

Fodé Mané (Newcastle , NSW)

Formerly a lead dancer and choreographer with award-winning troupe BAKAMALA, based in Dakar , Fodé has over 15 years of experience in performing all across Europe and is renowned for his energetic, dynamic and graceful style displayed in his repertoire of Senegalese and Guinean traditional dances. Originally from the Casamance region of Senegal , Fodé is now living in Newcastle, NSW where he teaches African dance. www.jamojamoarts.com.au

Grace Barbe (Western Australia)

Grace Barbe, born in the Seychelles and formerly lead singer with popular WA band Raggabeats, has assembled a talented cast of musicians including bass player/guitarist/producer Jamie Searle , drummer Freddy Poncin and keyboard player Sally Quearly. www.gracebarbe.com

Hands, Heart & Feet (Blue Mountains , NSW)

Emily Cooper is a beautiful classically trained dancer that learned West African dancing with Griot Mohamed Bangoura. Together with John May, she has founded Hands, Heart & Feet to promote Joy through Drumming & Dancing. www.handsheartfeet.com

Koru Community Dance Theatre (New Zealand)

Koru Community Dance Theatre is a community based company in New Zealand led by our dear friend Ra, a past student of AFROTONIC Dance and performer with ORGANIKDANCE . Koru promotes African inspired tribal dance and music through general community classes and performances. www.korudance.com

Lamine Sonko (Melbourne)

Percussionist, dancer, singer and choreographer, Lamine is an amazing multi-talented artist from Senegal . AFROTONIC regularly organizes workshops and shows in Perth with Lamine. www.laminesonko.com

Organikdance (Fremantle)

Founded by our dancing friend Kathy McPherson and currently directed by Jess Hall, Organikdance is a dance performance collective formed to encourage people to ‘dance for joy’ that brings a theatrical element to a mix of African and funk dance moves. www.organikdance.net

Rhythm Fix (Fremantle)

With long term experience in the music industry through performing, corporate workshops and school incursions, Stacey and Martin Phillips have teamed up to form Rhythm Fix, a Fremantle based booking agency and drum services provider. As performers and local facilitators they have their ear to the beat of Freo and have teamed up with their artist friends to offer some of WA’s best in world musicians, drum'n'dance teachers, dancers, street performers, and djs. www.rhythmfix.com

Rhythm Konnections (Byron Bay)

Chinta, Cheze and the Rhythm Konnections team are dynamic group facilitators, and performing artists that have over 11 years experience in producing, managing and performing multi media African music and dance events as well as organizing community and corporate workshops. Veronique and Dian from AFROTONIC attended one of their amazing drum & dance camp in January 09. www.rhythmkonnections.com

Shangara Jive (Fremantle)

Led by songwriter and drummer George Joe, Shangara Jive has being delivering since 2001 an array of Zimbabwean ritual and contemporary music styles fused with elements from the Congo, South Africa, Tanzania and West African nations. www.shangarajive.com

South African Choir (Western Australia)

Martin Meader is the conducter of Perth 's very own South African choir and is keen to have more African people join the ABC Choir. A multi-talented musician - playing, composing, and conducting, he is also a writer of children's books. www.martinmeader.com

WALA (Ghana)

WALA is a vibrant & colourful 5-piece group that plays original rhythms and songs inspired by traditional music from Ghana . Odai, Aflah, Abli, Ago and Akaa all have amazing talents and a passion for their art and regularly come to Perth to conduct workshops and shows. www.walaislife.com

WONGAI (Western Australia)

Founded by amazing drummer Freddy Poncin, Wongai plays traditional danceable rhythms from Guinea using Djembe, Doundoun, Sangban, Kenkeni, Kenken Bells, Balaphon, Shekere, Congas and more.  www.wongai.com.au

Ziggy Bey Jan (Western Australia)

Led by Ziggy Diagne from Senegal, the Ziggy Bey Jan group is a high energy Afro/Jazz dance band that plays a fusion of African M’balah rhythms with elements of reggae funk, rap and jazz. Ziggy's myspace

Friends of Afrotonic promoting African Arts & Culture in WA

African Community of WA

African Community of WA is a non-profit, non-racial and non-political organisation. ACWA organises Africa Day Celebrations bringing together its members and the WA Community to celebrate African cultural diversity. www.multicultural.online.wa.gov.au

Proud 2B African

Ribbon of Africa is a Perth fashion-based business created by our friend Taku to empower African people living in Australia and encourage a Proud 2B African attitude. Taku also organises events promoting African culture & heritage. www.ribbonofafrica.com

Kulcha

KULCHA is a window to the world without leaving Perth ! From Albanian harmonies to Zambian beats, there are no borders to the expression of art, culture and language! www.kulcha.com.au

Zambezi Promotions

Zambezi Promotions are responsible for bringing renowned African performers such as Youssou'N'Dour and Oliver Mtukudzi to their fans in Australia . http://zambezipromo.com.au

African News & Events

Africa in OZ

Check all the latest news about upcoming African gigs & shows all across Australia , as well as what's happening in the African Continent. http://africanoz.com.au

African Radio

Listen to the live Voice of Africa Radio from your computer: current affairs, interviews with African leaders, traditional and contemporary African music, etc. www.voiceofafricaradio.com

African Music - CDs and DVDs

Diaspora World Beat (online shop)

Diaspora World Beat is an Australian-based company that offers you a wide variety of African CDs to purchase online. www.diaspora.com.au

African CDs (Fremantle)

Angelique Kidjo, Ismael Lo, Rokia Traore, Bamako , Toure Kunda, Youssou'N'Dour, Fela Kuti, Africando, Mariam Amadou and many more... Jacques has a fantastic choice of African CD's at his shop in Fremantle. www.leforum.com.au/index1.html