Sala Adenike

SALA ADENIKE IS A MUSICAL WOMAN WHO SINGS, WRITES, DANCES, PAINTS, TEACHES AND LEARNS.

THE MUSIC ON SALA’S SELF-PRODUCED CD, ENTITLED,
“SAME DIRECTION” OFFERS YOU A REFRESHING FUSION OF HER
R & B ROOTS, INFLUENCED BY AFRICAN MUSIC, JAZZ, AND URBAN CONTEMPORARY. SHE CALLS IT “FOLK-SOUL”. THE SONGS SPEAK TO YOU OF FAITH, COMMITMENT, LOVE FOUND AND LOST, COMMUNITY WELLNESS, RENEWAL, DETERMINATION, AND THE JOY OF MUSIC.

AS AN EDUCATIONAL PERFORMING ARTIST AND KEYNOTE
SPEAKER, SALA HAS REACHED COUNTLESS STUDENTS,
FACULTIES, CONGREGATIONS, FAMILY GATHERINGS
AND COMMUNITY EVENTS WITH THE MESSAGE OF
SELF LOVE, SELF UNDERSTANDING AND MULTI-CULTURAL
AWARENESS. SALA ALSO CURRENTLY MAINTAINS HER
POSITION AS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF THE DANCE COMPANY,
ABATSU AFRICAN DRUMMERS AND DANCERS.

IT IS SALA’S WISH, WHEN IT COMES TO HER MUSIC, THAT
YOU “ENJOY IT, USE IT, GROW AND GROOVE WITH IT!”

ABATSU African Drummers and Dancers

ABATSU is a performing arts group that generates exuberance, excitement and positive energy provided by live drummers and dancers.

Founded by Paul “Ali” Allen, and under the artistic direction of Sala Adenike, ABATSU is dedicated to helping audiences gain a greater understanding of African cultural arts and heritage through interactive activities including performances, workshops, seminars, and classes.

Originally founded in 1974 in New York City, ABATSU relocated to Augusta, Ga. and has been performing in the southeast since 1994.

The performing members of ABATSU come from diverse walks of life and a wide age range. Their commitment is to perform at their highest level while strengthening their characters and serving the community.

With education being a priority, ABATSU has performed at numerous schools, from Pre-K to College level. ABATSU has received many awards and honors.

ABATSU has significantly contributed to the social fabric of its surrounding community by providing the cultural connection at weddings, family reunions, graduations, and many other celebrations.

Celebrating live drum rhythms, inspired dance movements, folk songs, and audience interaction, ABATSU creates a unique and dynamic experience for its audiences.

Martial Arts Classes, Yoga Classes, Children’s African Dance, Teen and Adult African Dance

Classes taught in Augusta, Ga at the Martial Arts and Dance Studio

• Augusta Business Center on Washington Rd
• 118 Shartom Drive, Augusta Ga 30907
• Yoga Tuesdays 6 PM, Saturdays 9 AM
• Martial Arts every Mon and Wed; Children 7 PM, Adults 8 PM
• Childrens African Dance Saturdays 10:30 AM
• Teen/Adult African Dance every Fri 7 PM, every Sun 5 PM

Head Sensei (Martial Arts Instructor)

Paul Ali Allen, 6th Degree Black Belt, Path of the Lion Martial Arts

• Martial Arts and Dance Studio
• Childrens Classes Mon/Wed 7 PM
• Adult Classes Mon/Wed 8 PM

African Dance Instructor

Sala Adenike, Instructor, Body and Spirit African Dance Classes

• Martial Arts and Dance Studio
• Childrens Classes Saturdays 10:30 AM
• Teens and Adults: Fridays 7 PM
• Teens and Adults: Sundays 5 PM

Sabar, Senegal and Drumming

Sabar is a traditional West African dance from Senegal, West Africa, that is performed to the beats of the Sabar drum. Sabar dancing incorporates feelings of feminine sensuality and flirtatiousness. It is a dance of expression that uses every part of the body, from the arms and legs to the eyes. Sabar consists of combinations that are less weighted to the ground than other styles, and incorporates lots of hip twisting, jumping, arm swinging and high knee lifting.

Sabar is an orchestra of the hand and stick drums of the Wolof people of Senegal. The skin drums are played with one hand and a thin wooden stick. It is set on the ground or strapped to the side of the body. It consists of the goron, lamba, mbalak, and sabar, from the lowest to highest sounds. Sabar speaks the languages of the Wolof and Serer peoples. The rhythm and dance steps were named for this drum. There are several styles of sabar dancing.
Rhythms.

There are hundreds of rhythms that drummers and dancers throughout West Africa know, and each of these rhythms tells its own story. A drummer must be knowledgeable of the meanings of the rhythms to speak effectively with the drum. Each jembé rhythm and dance has a purpose, a time, and a place. Some rhythms honor groups of people, other rhythms mark certain occasions.

“Awesome class for adults and kids!” ~ Ria Takharu