Borenya - Partners for Livable Communities

Columbia, SC

A West African drum and dance ensemble that provides unique cultural exposure and an educational experience for community members of all ages.

Borenya is a West African drum and dance ensemble that was originally an organization within the University of South Carolina. As its popularity grew and the members realized their potential to reach a larger audience, they branched off into their own setting.

Borenya offers youth and adults a unique cultural education experience. The group consists of 7 members of the company and 7 board members who all frequently visit classrooms and perform around the Southeast United States, retelling the tales of Western Africa. Their stories are rooted in tradition and the experience of sharing - from the tale of the annual harvest festival to the single woman who catches fish and brings it to share with family. Dozens of instruments capture the beats and rhythm of movements performed in real life, a true celebration of centuries-old traditions.

Nuts and Bolts:

Some of the programs Borenya develops include workshops, residencies, classes, lectures, and performances.
The cultural education includes learning how to respect one another and elders, and uses elements from the performance to inform students where instruments came from.

Successes:

Borenya visits about 30-40 schools a year and the number of students in classes ranges from 10-25. They publicize their program through flyers, word of mouth, and their website.
Each year the group reaches hundreds of youth.
Borenya's performances and cultural programs regulary impress their audiences.
The members of Borenya have made it their mission to share the joy, power, and energy generated by West African Music with audiences everywhere.