TRANSCENDENCE

Bowerbird is pleased to present TRANSCENDENCE, a duo performance by master percussionists Kweku Sumbry and Shakoor Hakeem at The Perch.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Grounded in the traditions of the Djembe Orchestra, Kweku Sumbry is a multi-percussionist from Washington, DC. With the djembe, drumset, and a multitude of West African Percussion instruments, Kweku is bringing forth a new sound to the jazz world. He began his studies as a toddler under the tutelage of Mahiri Fadjimba Keita, Mamady Keita, and Djiali Djimo Kouyate.
Kweku is a member of the Immanuel Wilkins Quartet, and has performed alongside Ambrose Akinmusire, Yosvany Terry, Cyrus Chestnut, Solange, Shabaka Hutchings, and Reggie Workman, to name a few.

Fearless percussionist Shakoor Hakeem, a prolific up-and-coming talent, has a gift for making experimental, Afro-diasporan, rhythmic improvisational music immediately enjoyable. Hakeem’s unique old soul has him adhering to the cultural traditions of mysticism and folklore, within which are contained the secrets of his elders. The mythical experience of his stage presence evokes feelings that you are witness to a ceremonial gathering, of an ancient rhythmic history. In building this, he has long supported many of the most forward-thinking legendary improvisers, including Graham Haynes, Immanual Wilkins, Maria Grand, Joel Ross, Adam Rudolph, Bobby Zankel and Wallace Roney. Performing live with these great artists, he refrains from overplaying and prefers minimalism, playing with the musical and compositional contexts of colors and texture, delivering limited solos, all while occupying the eye of the hurricane.

Organized in collaboration with World Askew