KuKu on Taps (2017)
 
KuKu is traditionally a circle dance and drum rhythm with origins of West Africa, that is used to celebrate harvest and other events. My goals was to dissect the rhythm of the drums, while infusing it with other global rhythms intersecting tap dance, stepping, body percussion and vocals to build a multidisciplinary performance work. This polyrhythmic expression of song and dance demonstrate the intricate rhythms and vibrations of the world. Currently, in its third rendition, I’ve continued to work with Tamar Greene, currently playing George Washington in Hamilton Chicago, to masterfully arrange the opening song Niakhaling Ba and powerhouse choreographer Quynn Johnson of SOLE Defined to insure that the interpretation of movement is in enlightenment with the history and traditions of Guinea, West Africa.  

Between 2015-2018, Kuku on Taps has been performed on stages across the nation including, The John F. Kennedy Center, The Lincoln Center’s Clark Theatre, and Jacob's Pillow Inside/out festival to name a few.

OLD SCHOOL
 
Old School is an original work inspired by the sounds, culture and street performers of New Orleans, LA fused with show stopping tap dancing honoring; Honi Coles, Gregory Hines and Baltimore Native Dr. James “Buster” Brown. This masterful blend of Brass music and Tap dance continues the long lasting relationship of two American art forms that are deeply rooted in our history dating back to the early 1700s. As an artist, arts educator and arts advocate I value the impact, influence and inspiration Tap and Jazz has had on our culture, art, films, and onstage productions. It is imperative for me to preserve and honor these two art forms. 

HUMAN DRUM
 
I am the intersection of music, movement and imagination turning my body into a human drum to preserve the customs and traditions of percussive dance forms created by people of color in America.  I titled this ongoing work in progress, The Human Drum, simply because that what I am, a percussive instrument that incorporates movement to entertain. After years of training, traveling and learning percussive dance styles, The Human Drum is the sum total of my life experiences expressing spiritual emotion that I’m unable to express verbally. A mega mash up of rhythms from Brazil, America, South Africa  fused with audience participation inspired by comedians, tap dancers and the conductors of Jazz Bands in the 1920s, The Human Drum is an improvisational rhythmic roller coaster, breaking the fourth wall, turning any audience into my personal orchestra.

For me, The Human Drum is my personal expression of emotion, while pay homage to the artist who have inspired me, allowing my ancestors to move me and celebrate the life of my mother. 

RAWSOUNDS
 
As an artist, I am always looking for ways to present my craft in new venues and arenas. I’ve notice that dancers get put into a category that is sometimes undervalued and only seen as a recreational profession. It is time to take a stand and explore new ways to express art by stepping outside of my comfort zone.  Time to make a statement and show the world that dance and music go hand and hand. Both art forms enhance the other and need to be valued as such. This was my driving force to start this project.
 
As tap dancers, we were always taught that we are apart of the band and to be one with the music. I believe in my heart of heart that percussive dance is the crossover art between movement and music. We have no limitations. We are diverse and versatile artists.
 
Percussive dance is rhythm, it's movement, it’s math and more importantly it's my inner voice. I hear music in everything I do, from walking to cooking to driving my car. I challenged myself to turn my dance into an album and break the social norms. 
I started creating chorography as songs, using different languages and rhythms I experienced over the years to create this album.
 
Pushing myself to learn, create and grow musically, this process took flight. My goal is to create seven tracks, one per continent, that represent global rhythms translated to the human body.
 
This is track 1 of 7 titled Raw Soundz, enjoy!