Africa Unplugged

Recorded on 3/4/22

Africa Unplugged is led by renowned djembe master, songwriter, and educator, Atiba Rorie. The band combines traditional, west-African percussion instruments with guitar and bass to play traditional rhythms while drawing from global influences. The result is funky, soulful blues that keeps you moving as they tell stories from the old world and the new!

Atiba Rorie has been playing percussion instruments since he was a young child. Pursuing his passion, he earned a BA in Music from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In addition to UNCG, Atiba has also studied with masters such as Babatunde Olatunji, Fahali Igbo, Bradley Simmons and Chief Bey. Further studies have found him working with The National Dance Ensemble of Ghana in Accra, Ghana, and a one-month intensive study in Guinea, West Africa. He has taught at Winston Salem State University and is currently in the Music Department at Guilford College. In addition to teaching, Atiba is an accompanist in the UNC Greensboro Dance Department.

Rorie is the founder of the acclaimed international multi-genre band, Africa Unplugged. Besides leading his own band, Atiba has worked with many professional ensembles, performing at countless venues, including Dance Africa in New York, Tedx Greensboro, National Black Arts Festival, Black Dance USA, and two Presidential Inauguration Celebrations. In 2005 Rorie was invited to participate in a Drums of Passion Tribute to Babatunde Olatunji at the Percussive Arts Society International Conference. He has been a guest artist at CaldCluegh Community Center, Duke University, High Point University, Agnes Scott College, Williams College, Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, Black College Dance Exchange, North Carolina School of the Arts, and Radford University.

Along with being a master musician, Atiba Rorie is equally engaging with his audience, freely sharing info and stories about the many styles of music he plays. One leaves his performances feeling uplifted and knowing more about music and culture than before the show.

Streaming  Cost is $15
Link will remain active for one week.

Donations welcome