If you want to dance and learn more about African rhythms, youB次元官网网址檒l want to check out the upcoming Issamba Showcase, on Feb. 17.

Issamba, which is organized by the African Art & Cultural Community Contributor Society (AACCCS), is an annual event which takes place as a part of Black History Month, with shows in Victoria, Nanaimo and Vancouver. ItB次元官网网址檚 a collection of African musicians who show off their talent and heritage in a vibrant musical event.

B次元官网网址淲e are trying to offer a different way to showcase African rhythms,B次元官网网址� said Pulch茅rie Mboussi, executive director at AACCCS. B次元官网网址淏efore Issamba, people might be used to Africa xylophones and drums in a community setting, but not really from professionals.B次元官网网址�

This year, feature artists include Mamadou Diabate and Naxx Bitota. Diabate was born in Burkina Faso, and received professional training in Austria to play the balafonB次元官网网址攁 gourd resonated xylophone. Diabate has travelled around the world to perform, and this year will be joined by his brother Yacouba Konate, as they perform duets on a seven-foot balafon.

Montreal-based artist Naxx Bitota, born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a singer who has traveled around the globe to perform. She incorporates her experiences in traditional and gospel choirs with Mutuashi and Congolese Rumba styles.

After these performances, there will be an Afropop afterparty with beats from Vancouver-based DJ Vinnie.

Issamba means together in the Cameroonian dialect, Beti, Mboussi explained. The Issamba Showcase is all about bringing different African artists and diverse audiences together.

B次元官网网址淚ssamba is a very different, very unique experience,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淧eople who attend are just happy after.B次元官网网址�

ISSAMBA Showcase will take place on Friday Feb. 17 starting at 8 p.m. at the Victoria Event Centre at 1415 Broad St.

To purchase tickets, or to learn more about other events included in the Black History Month Collection, visit Eventbrite.ca.

To learn more about other events held by the AACCCS Issamba Centre, including the upcoming Africa Fest in May, visit .

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