Ghanaian drummer brings his beat to U.Va.

African musical history will come to life when Ghanaian master drummer Obo Addy steps on stage at 8:15 p.m. Oct. 23 at Old Cabell Hall Auditorium.

Addy, an originator of “worldbeat,” performs traditional Ghanaian music using a variety of hand and stick drums, talking drums, bells and shakers.

Addy was designated a “master drummer” at the age of six. After World War II, he absorbed international pop music and performed in many bands, mostly playing European and American music. He later gravitated to “highlife,” a blend of African and European instrumentation. In 1972, he and his brothers performed at the Olympic Games in Munich and embarked on an international tour.

He settled in Portland, Oregon, in 1978. With his wife, Susan, he created Homowo African Arts and Cultures, which holds an annual festival aimed at introducing people to Ghanaian music. He also leads arts and culture tours to Ghana on an annual basis to share his rich heritage with interested Americans.

Tickets, available at the Cabell Hall Box Office at 924-3984, are $10 for the general public, $5 for students, and 5ARTS$ for U.Va. students. The box office is open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and two hours before each concert.