Bubusɔ Auditions

Introducing the Bubusɔ West African Drum & Dance Troupe

I’d like to introduce Spokane, WA’s newest performance group, the Bubusɔ (Boo-boo-Saw) West African Drum & Dance Troupe! This has been a dream of mine for many years, and I’m so happy to finally have it up and running. The word “Bubusɔ” means “Respectfully” in Ewe, the language of my primary teachers, Kobla Ladzekpo and Beatrice Lawluvi. It represents the way in which I hope to honor the traditions they taught me, and present to them the fruits of their labor and the ongoing commitment to keeping their traditions around for many more generations to experience. The Adinkra symbol above the name is called Dwennimmen. This symbol shows two rams’ horns butting up against each other, standing for strength and humility. “Strength” in the way we present the power of their culture, and “humility” in the way of humbling ourselves before the masters, striving to continue learning.

I’d like to thank Kobla Ladzekpo and Beatrice Lawuluvi, as well as my other teachers Yeko Ladzekpo-Cole, Andrew Grueschow, Sulley Imoro, Adom, Promise Dogbatsey, and EK, for their ongoing support. This wouldn’t be happening without their commitment to their traditions and their patience and desire to share it with the world.

FREE West African Drum/Dance Workshop

I'm teaching a FREE workshop this Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at Learn to Burn School of Music in Spokane, Washington! Check out my "Happenings" page for more information!

African Drumming classes in Spokane, WA!!!

My new African Drumming classes are starting soon in Spokane! Visit the Learn To Burn website and Facebook page for updates. Classes will be held in groups of no more than 10 students each and will be in 6-week long courses, once a week. We will do some drumming exercises that will work on technique and rhythm, and will also learn a TRADITIONAL piece of music from the Ewe people of Ghana/Togo, including drumming, dancing, and singing! Please call with any questions!

Two shows coming up!

Hey All! I've got a couple shows this coming week that I'm involved in. First is with the UCLA West African Ensemble on Sunday night and the second show is with the CalArts West African Ensemble in an open JAM Session at the Ford Theaters. Both shows are FREE. You can find more info on my "Happenings" page.

UCLA Spring Festival of World Music and Jazz

Hi, All! This Sunday, June 1, 2014 I will be performing with the UCLA West African Ensemble in the UCLA Spring Festival of World Music and Jazz. The performance itself is free, but there is a cost for parking (unless you're able to find parking on Hilgard Ave. The bluegrass ensemble will be performing after us!

"Arts that Do Justice" Symposium

Hello all! I just added an event to the "Happenings" page. I'm giving a short lecture this Sunday, April 6, 2014, in regards to the work that I do for ArtSMART, an art program that takes place in Juvenile Probation Camps and Juvenile Halls. Check it out!

New Event

I know it's last minute, but check out the new event on my "Happenings" page! It will be a great show for anyone who appreciates world music and fusion. There are a few other bands performing that night. When I get the info as far as who's performing and what time, I'll add it to the event page.

Welcome! Wezo! Amaraba!

Welcome to my new webpage! It's been a long time coming, and it's finally here. I will keep everyone updated as far as new projects and advancements in my music right here on this home page. Please feel free to peruse the webpage and offer feedback and constructive criticism.

Thank you, everyone, for your support!!! 

~Neili