African fest a big hit

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Kala Bhawan on Thursday hosted ‘African Festival’ to celebrate World Music Day. Young African dancers called "The Linguere" participated in the celebrations. The group, founded by poet and national leader Leopard Senghor in 1960, has been acclaimed worldwide.
Suresh Singh, AOC 3BRD, was the chief guest on the occasion.
Besides dance, the performers also shared with the audience culture and tradition of the African subcontinent.The show started with Yela, a melody of songs that emphasize delicacy and sharpness. It was followed by Puy Nangala, an ethinic dance showing love and celebration after the shepherds discovered new grassy area for their animals. Next was an instrumental interlude in three different styles, including Wolof Ballet, Ballet Ballante and Mandinkol.
The show concluded by Final Salvation.
The program was executed by Pr Ousmane Diakhate while Ndeye Banda Mbaye was the artistic director of the show. “It felt good as the audience here is very responsive,” said Mbaye, who is also director of Ensemble Ballet la Linguere. Group captain Rajendra Mittal said, “The show was mesmerizing and full of energy. Language of music is same everywhere but what makes difference is the way it is performed. It was phenomenal.”
“The show was full of energy, costumes were very beautiful and the music was breathtaking,” said Shakuntala Lavasa, a spectator.