BENEATH THE BAOBAB (Curated Event)

December 11, 2025

The Tank NYC

Curated Celebration of Africa: A Journey Through Artistry 

Part of the International Human Rights Arts Festival  

Title: Beneath the Baobab: Seeds of Sankofa

“Beneath the Baobab” summons us together to explore the wisdom in African histories; unearthing ancestral creativity, reclaiming silenced knowledge systems, and celebrating the rhythms of language and that have long sustained communities.  

Themes: African identity, cultural memory, and personal storytelling

1. JAJA of OPOBO by Taiwo Aloba

Artists: African Theater Troupe (Nigeria)  Elisha Glass, Quira Chanel, Fatima Saidysall, Christopher Platt, Donovan Lee, Taiwo Aloba, and King Downing

Format: A theatrical piece retelling the story of the legendary African king, Jaja. King Jaja’s life history provides a fascinating case study of an African ruler’s response to British imperial expansion in the nineteenth century.

2. Makinu Ma Kongo (Dance of Congo)

Artists: Mfoumbila Kongo Dance Company (Brazzaville, Congo)

Format: A high-energy fusion of Ngoma drumming and traditional Congolese dance. Dancers in bold costumes interact with thunderous drumbeats, embodying the spirit of Congolese culture. 

3. Son of the Soil of Alkebulan

Artist: PitsiRa Yambala (South Africa)  

Format: The son of the soil of Alkebulan (Afrika) presents the sound and energy from the northern region of Azania (South Africa) Limpopo. He will be presenting his music rooted in Pedi culture style of music using an ancient instrument called settlor (mouth harp) accompanied by modern beats with rhythms and rhymes of his language and tradition.

4. Mother Tongue

Artist: Justin Lokossou (spoken word artist, Benin Republic)  

Format: A series of three poems describing Justin’s relationship with his mother tongue, immigration.

Highlight: A collaborative poem with his mother, detailing her dreams for her life.

COLLABORATORS

1. Taiwo Aloba (Curator & Playwright) + African Theater Troupe (Performing Artists)

2. Andoche Loubaki & the Mfouambila Kongo Dance Company (Performing Artists)

3. PitsiRa YaMabala (Performing Artist)

4. Justin Lokossou (Performing Artist)