Drumfolk: The second work by Step Afrika! that chronicles and celebrates the African-American experience in early America. With extensive research and years of percussive practice, Drumfolk explores historical events and the use of the drum as an instrument of community, resilience, and determination.
Written by Zackarya Faci
Drumfolk, by Step Afrika!, was performed in the Colwell Playhouse at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on February 7th, 2020. It was a tense performance as they told a story of oppression and perseverance. Using their voice, bodies, drums, and dance, they were able to recreate the emotions felt by many Africans in the 1740s. It was around this time that their freedom and culture was being restricted as a result of the actions of the Stono Rebellion. As seen in the performance, many Africans would not be easily suppressed and fought back against the new restrictions.
As the name would suggest, drums were a key aspect of the performance Friday night. But, when the Negro Act of 1740 came into effect and limited their use of drums, they had to get creative. “They took the drums away…but they could not stop the beat” was chanted throughout the performance. The performers would clap, stomp, and beat box to create a rhythm that was, to me at least, far better than that of drums alone. Being able to think outside of the box and keeping the beat alive through these improvised music techniques was a key factor in preserving the African culture.
The performance also boasted a prominent sense of community–both between the performers and the audience. The musicians obviously played together as the different instruments complimented each other, but the dancers also moved to the beat in unison. There was some complicated choreography as well, which really required them to work together to perfect. My favorite aspect, however, was the ability for the audience to participate and be a part of the performance. There were instances where the performers would reach out to the audience and ask them to drum along with the beat–guiding them with every clap. This was really special and emphasized the sense of community that many Africans had at the time.
Step Afrika! was able to teach so much about history and culture through their superb storytelling while still remaining entertaining–keeping me on the edge of my seat the whole time! Something I thought was really unique and contributed to how entertaining the performance was was how they blended in aspects of the 21st-century. The moments with beat boxing, rapping, and colorful stage lights made it seem like a modern concert. Thus, it was easy for them to bridge the gap and connect with a younger audience–something I appreciate and think worked very well.
The performances are getting better and better, as I enjoyed this production much more than the ballet we saw last week (though it was still an amazing act!). I’m looking forward to next week, where we will be seeing Somi, an Urbana-Champaign native who was recognized with the 2018 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album.