{"id":1011,"date":"2022-09-15T10:23:58","date_gmt":"2022-09-15T10:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/?post_type=update&p=1011"},"modified":"2024-06-04T19:38:04","modified_gmt":"2024-06-04T19:38:04","slug":"meet-2022-world-fest-artists","status":"publish","type":"update","link":"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/about\/updates\/meet-2022-world-fest-artists\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet World Fest Artists Okra Playground, Pamyua, and Okaidja Afroso"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We’re thrilled to welcome three incredible ensembles to the Midwest as part of World Fest<\/a> this year. Take a look below to learn more, and then see them in person in a community near you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\n \n \n \n Finland\n <\/span>\n \n \n<\/svg><\/span>\n \n
\n \n Okra Playground\n <\/h2>\n \n

Okra Playground plays traditional Finnish music with a fresh approach, combining classic folk with modern instruments to create unique tunes with hypnotic beats and a homegrown feel. While rooted in the traditions of their homeland\u2019s music, the project also serves as a musical \u201cplayground\u201d for its members to experiment with new instruments and techniques, just as the group\u2019s name suggests!<\/p>\n \n \n \n \n Learn more about Okra Playground<\/span>\n\n \n\n<\/svg> <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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\n \"Finnish\n\n
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\n \n\n\n\n<\/g>\n\n\n\n<\/clipPath>\n<\/defs>\n<\/svg> Photo Credit: Antti Kokkola<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n Finnish music group Okra Playground holding various instruments, including a jouhikko.\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
\n\n \n \n \n Yup’ik | Alaska\n <\/span>\n \n \n<\/svg><\/span>\n \n
\n \n Pamyua\n <\/h2>\n \n

Pamyua is Alaska\u2019s most famous Inuit band. Founded in 1995 by brothers Phillip and Stephen Blanchett, the group includes Ossie Kairaiuak and frequent guest member Karina Moeller. Their performances honor and share indigenous Inuit cultural traditions through ceremony and songs passed down through generations. Their unique performances blend traditional Inuit drum\/dance melodies with contemporary R&B and soul music, often referred to as \u201ctribal funk\u201d or \u201cInuit soul.\u201d<\/p>\n \n \n \n \n Learn more about Pamyua<\/span>\n\n \n\n<\/svg> <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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\n \"Yup\u2019ik\n\n
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\n \n\n\n\n<\/g>\n\n\n\n<\/clipPath>\n<\/defs>\n<\/svg> Photo Credit: Kerry Tasker<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n Yup\u2019ik ensemble Pamyua wearing traditional Yup\u2019ik masks.\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
\n\n \n \n \n Ghana | USA\n <\/span>\n \n \n<\/svg><\/span>\n \n
\n \n Okaidja Afroso\n <\/h2>\n \n

Okaidja Afroso follows his family\u2019s tradition of storytelling by creating genre-defying music that calls back to his upbringing in a village on the western coast of Ghana. His music speaks to a spectrum of experiences deeply connected to the traditions of the African diaspora. He is devoted to bringing together diverse modes of expression in pursuit of global harmony through his signature performances that blend percussion and dance.<\/p>\n \n \n \n \n Learn more about Okaidja Afroso<\/span>\n\n \n\n<\/svg> <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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\n \"Okaidja\n\n
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\n \n\n\n\n<\/g>\n\n\n\n<\/clipPath>\n<\/defs>\n<\/svg> Photo Credit: Paapa Kwaku Oduro<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n Okaidja Afroso, an artist from Ghana, playing guitar and singing.\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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