FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - On Thursday, Sept. 16, 1999, the University of Arkansas will host a performance by West African cultural historian, Alhaji Papa Susso. The program will include storytelling and vocal and instrumental music to convey the art, history and values of Mandinka culture.

For more than two decades, Papa Susso has shared his cultural heritage with audiences around the world, performing in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Canada and the United States. Such cultural figures - known as Griots - have existed in West African society for centuries, spreading tradition and lore as they traveled through towns and communities.

"Griots preserve West African culture as oral historians, musicians and dancers, but they play a more significant role than that of entertainer," said UA anthropologist, Joann D’Alisera. "They act as the glue that binds people and communities together through the sharing of common traditions and arts."

Papa Susso began his career as a performer and educator at the age of five when he learned to play the 21-stringed harp-lute instrument known as a kora. His talent won him the position of chief kora player in the Gambia National Cultural Troupe.

In 1974, Papa Susso formed his own cultural organization, The Manding Music and Dance, Limited. Through this organization, he conducts research on Manding history and ethnomusicology, assists performers of Manding music and folklore, and strives to revive and promote the understanding and appreciation of Manding musical culture.

In addition to his performance career, Papa Susso has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, which he uses to support his extensive work in civil service. His positions have included Agricultural Assistant in the Ministry of Agricultural and Natural Resources, Senior Accountant in the Ministry of Works and Communications, and Financial Attaché and Liaison Officer for the Gambia embassy in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

His dedication to education and diversity has made him both a cultural and political ambassador of West Africa.

"Papa Susso is a performer, educator and celebrator of culture, a man of tremendous spirit and knowledge," said Suzanne MacRae, associate professor of English and organizer of the event. "He believes that peace and humanity are served well by learning about other cultures."

"Anytime our students can experience a different culture, it benefits them," added D’Alisera. "These cultures are no longer foreign - they’re our neighbors, members of the communities in which we live. This performance will not just give people a chance to learn about diversity but an opportunity to engage in it."

As the first West African griot to visit the University of Arkansas, D’Alisera expects Papa Susso’s performance to be both lively and enlightening.

"African art is an integral part of everyday life within West African cultures. It is not meant to be experienced in the static environment of an exhibition gallery but is intended to be viewed in motion," she said. "The art loses part of its meaning when suspended in time and space because it is meant to be interactive and intimate with the people who view it."

In this way and for this purpose, Papa Susso brings West African culture to life through music and storytelling. His performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Giffels Auditorium with a reception to follow. Sponsors include the University Artists and Concerts Committee, the Arkansas Union Public Relations Committee, Chartwells Dining, the Multicultural Center, the Muslim Students’ Association and the departments of English and History. The program is free and open to all members of the public.

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