Marafanyi Drum, Dance & Song

MISSION: Commitment to sharing the educational, transformational and therapeutic power of drum, dance and song with all ages and abilities, from toddler to elder.

Under the artistic direction of Lara Gonzalez, this pioneering group presents a creative expression that fuses original songs and spoken word with traditional West African rhythm and dance, showcasing indigenous instruments. Their infectious energy, genuine warmth, and solid musical talent place them in demand for events that have included shows supporting artists of multiple genres including World (Angélique Kidjo), Folk (Odetta), Rock (Hamell on Trial), Jazz (Perry Robinson), Spoken Word (Carl Hancock Rux) and Metaphysical (Ram Dass). They are known for diverse creativity - percussion is just the beginning!

As performing artists, Marafanyi is pleased to have collaborated with Guinean Master Artist, M'Bemba Bangoura and Guinean Griot & Balafon Master, Famoro Dioubaté. They have supported Congolese guitarist Dominic Kanza and his African Rhythm Machine, Grammy award winner, Angélique Kidjo from Benin, Habib Koité from Mali, and the Mesgana Dancers from Ethiopia. The ladies have also supported DJ Spooky that Subliminal Kid as part of the Wilco Solid Sound Festival and Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars as part of an anti-fracking event in the state capital of New York.

Marafanyi has performed/presented in a variety of venues/festivals including MASS MoCA, Highlands Festival, NJPAC, ValleyArts Hat City Streets Festival,
DownStreet Art, SOPAC, The Egg, Topia Arts Center, Morris Museum, Bickford Theater, MCLA Gallery 51, Hudson Opera House, Grounds for Sculpture and more. In addition, Lara and Yael are “Assets for Artists” grantees.

As teaching artists, their focus is on the rhythm, dance and song of West Africa. Their work promotes wellness, empowerment & creativity, and also highlights cultural diversity, tolerance and community spirit. Lara & Co-Founder, Yael Shacham, have been traveling to Guinea, West Africa for music/dance training and cultural assistance projects since '01. Together with Lisa Gonzalez-Howell, these ground-breaking teaching & performing artists have been infusing and adapting their programs for all abilities for nearly 20 years. In addition, all 3 ladies are certified in Orff Schulwerk. The Marafanyi team is available for performances, workshops, assemblies, residencies and more!