Malidelphia

Malidelphia is a folkloric performance-art ensemble of African and African American artists, singers, dancers and folklorists. The name “Malidelphia” refers to the connection between Malian and Philadelphian cultural art forms such as Jazz, Blues, Afropop, Hip-Hop and traditional and contemporary percussion. The project showcases the underlying similarities in the artistic expression of people of African descent. By utilizing the kora, the balaphone, percussive instruments, vocals, and chants, we have created a montage of expressions for our professional performing artists to showcase the unique urban and traditional sounds and movement that create the “Malidelphia” style. This project is needed as a way for African and African American populations to communicate, find commonalities, and enjoy shared musical lineages.