Kpani Addy is a Master Percussionist, Composer and Dance Choreographer.  Over the last 17 years he has performed and taught traditional Ghanaian music throughout the United States of America. He has been an artist-in residence with both the Oregon and Washington State Arts Commissions.	Click here to Listen to Sweet & Bad High Life Music Sample           For promotional materials or to arrange performances and workshops Contact:  kpaniiaddy@yahoo.com Services available: Performance of Traditional Ghanaian Music & Dance African Drum or Dance classes for adults & children Traditional Percussion Instrument Making Traditional Tie & Dye •Music and Culture Camps for children and adults School Residency Price List:  •Demonstration about Ghana, west Africa (one hour 15 min)$350 •Performance of African Dance and Music (one hour)$475 •One Day (five and a half hours) includes assembly at the end*$575 •Four Day (sixteen hours) includes assembly at the end*$925 •Two Weeks (thirty-six hours) includes assembly at the end*$1,850 *the assembly will be a collective presentation of everything the students have learned and will include a short performance by the students We are aware of the hard economic times and are willing to work with schools to make it possible to have us to your school!
Kpani's background Vocalists/Dancers: Cypress Knight has been a student of dance since the age of five. Since 1998 she has been training in Ghanaian dance with Kpani Addy. In the early 1970’s Ms Knight studied modern and interpretive dance at Goddard College in Vermont and the University of Washington in Seattle. At the U of W she also studied and performed the traditional dances of Zimbabwe, taught by native musician Dumisani Maraire “Dumi”.  She has performed in Mr. Addy’s traditional dance and drum group “Kolomashi” since 2000 and accompanied him in presenting programs to preschools, elementary schools, and prisons as well as local festivals and shows. In February 2002 she completed a seven-week dance intensive with master dancers in Ghana, West Africa with the Traditional Drum & Dance Company Ga Gbeke Bii.  Cypress Knight began working in the first War On Poverty Head Start programs in the United States in 1969, completing an AA degree in ECE and then a BA degree in Education and Spanish. She has been dedicated to youth education and social justice causes since that time working for the quality care and education of migrant farm worker's children as well as other impoverished groups. Her talents as a teacher and organizer harmonize with Mr. Addy's youth efforts & training programs.   Comice Addy began studying traditional African dance from Kpani Addy in 1998.  As a child she was very shy, but Kpani's patience and encouraging style of teaching made her blossom into a beautiful performer and teacher.  She has performed in Mr. Addy’s group “Kolomashi”since 2000, and accompanied him in teaching and performing for schools and prisons, as well as festivals and camps. She has been to Ghana many times and serves as the lead female dancer and disciplinary for Ga Gbeke Bii Culture Troupe.   Comice also teaches the children about STD's and basic health care.   Cooking being one of her many gifts, she helped to develop a self-sustaining baking business for Ga Gbeke Bii to support themselves and learn basic business skills.  She says, "I love the children of Ghana and that is why I put my heart and soul into taking care of them--  the truth is that they have helped me more than I can ever give back. They know how to live!  Their spirit is inspiring, and they have a true respect for life that has opened my eyes, and makes the world a better place."
Attention Interested Musicians & Dancers of Illinios Starting up a New High Life Band in Chicago! SWEET & BAD Band is reorganizing in the Mid-West! We need guitar, bass guitar, saxaphone and keyboard and Dancers.  High Life music experience not necessary. Contact us by writing to  Kpaniiaddy@yahoo.com   or call (708) 503-6942