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ADAAWE

Global soul to inspire and uplift audiences everywhere

Women of the Voice and Drum

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ADAAWE is seven diverse dynamic women of the voice and drum. Their captivating performance is a manifestation of the power of women to uplift and inspire audiences everywhere. Their music springs from West African roots, nourished by Gospel harmonies and American funk, creating contemporary global soul.

In the Adaawe musical tradition of southern Ghana, Ga women gather together in the moonlight to raise songs and share the triumph and sorrow of their daily lives. Through constant improvisation, they breathe new life into ancient music. Their spirit of celebration and strength is the inspiration behind ADAAWE.

As an acoustic vocal and drum powerhouse group, or a full Afro-fusion dance band, ADAAWE has headlined performing arts venues, festivals, colleges and clubs across the U.S., and opened for such artists as James Brown, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Los Lobos. ADAAWE's latest CD, "Passage," is an arresting genre crossing collection, ranging from their trademark vocal percussion and djembe drum rhythms to Afro-funk, reggae and contemporary global soul. On CD or in concert, you do not want to miss the evolution of ADAAWE.

ADAAWE’s Story

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Based in Los Angeles, CA, the talented musicians of ADAAWE originate from Kenya, Morocco, Israel, Panama and across the United States. Their powerful diversity enriches their music, and shows intercultural understanding in action. ADAAWE is committed to building community through music, celebrating diversity, and promoting the rights of women and people around the world to live in a safe and just environment.

ADAAWE’s Mission

ADAAWE has supported benefits such as “Human Rights Watch,” with Annette Benning, “Roots & Shoots,” with Jane Goodall, the “Urban Peace Awards” with Harry Belafonte, as well as “Global Soul,” Heifer International,” and “Jewish World Watch.” In 2018, they performed at the wedding of Stevie Wonder, were “Pick of the Fringe” at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and with their full nine piece fusion band, toured the East Coast with the Levitt Pavilion Foundation.

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"The cover of our program guide makes me happy every time I catch sight of it ... Featured is an action shot of just one of the drummers of the all-woman percussion ensemble Adaawe ... It completely captures the energy of the women as they drum and sing themselves and their audiences into a state of joy ."

- Kathryn Girard, Executive Vice President, Skirball Cultural Center, LA.

“They were just sensational. . . . Dancing, movement, heartfelt stuff.”

- Susan Scott, Ventura Music Festival

"The Adaawe performance was fantastic. Wonderful women, excellent music. The

audience was very into it - seldom do we see people dancing all over the tent aisles like that. I have heard nothing but positive feedback from everyone who attended!" - Terry Meyer, Program Director, Big Top Chautauqua, WI

"Great music - and, for women to drum is radical!!"

- Gloria Steinam

Selected ADAAWE Quotes