Celebrate MLK Day with HeartBEAT Afrika at Bay Library

Olugbala Manns and his HeartBEAT Afrika musical ensemble will visit Bay Library on Jan. 16.

HeartBEAT Afrika, a performing arts ensemble, is a fusion of traditional African percussion with a modern live band rhythm. Featuring street percussion, horns and dance, this interactive performance is a musical celebration of the African American experience in America.

Olugbala Manns, the co-founder and musical director of HeartBEAT Afrika, will be joining us on Monday, Jan. 16, at 2 p.m. to help the library celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Olu is a second generation percussionist who grew up in New York City. He started learning drumming from his father Baba David Coleman at a very young age. New York is one of the melting pots of the world and young Olu was exposed to many different styles of music. He studied drumming throughout his adolescence, and decided to pursue a degree in cultural studies which he got from Kent State University.

Throughout the years, Olu has traveled to many countries to both study and perform, visiting Brazil, Guinea West Africa, Europe and Canada. He is currently an adjunct professor at Hiram College where he teaches the African Ensemble course.  He is also musical director and arts educator for Dance Afrika Dance.

Families with children ages 4 and up are invited to come to the library on Martin Luther King Jr. Day from 2-3 p.m. and enjoy this special program of storytelling, percussion and song. There will be a drum craft following the performance.