SUNDAY, JAN. 7, 5-7 p.m., All-ages show
Free on-site garage parking for concert
In a recent article, Austin Chronicle reporter Gary Lindsey said of our January World Music Encounters Artist, Ibrahim Aminou, "If Aminou's orature casts a spell, the 21-stringed African instrument, which he handcrafts, definitely serves as a magic wand." Read the full article.
Ibrahim Aminou experienced childhood in the traditional village of Dineye in the Republic of Niger. Located in the center of West Africa, the region has served as an important crossroads of musical genres of different ethnic groups.
Ibrahim began his musical education when he was three years old. At that age, children are taught simple percussion parts that are played at naming and wedding ceremonies. By the age of 5, children help to build instruments made from wood and animal skins. By age 7 they are able to build their own instrument under the guidance of a teacher. This develops an artistic sense as well a sense of accomplishment.
In Michigan, he continued to perform and began teaching in schools, summer camps and after-school programs.
Now in Austin, Ibrahim continues to bring the richness of West African traditions to the wider community. He regularly teaches UT Informal Classes and leads workshops around town, His 10-piece band, Zoumountchi, performs regularly at Africa Night at Sahara Lounge. Asked the meaning of the word, he told the Austin Chronicle: "If you are my neighbor, and I say, 'How are you doing? How are the kids?' ... 'Zoumountchi.' If I say, 'I have some extra oranges, why don't you take some' ... 'Zoumountchi.'
Ibrahim is a master of the kora, a complex 21-string instrument used extensively in West African traditional music.
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