Ancient Roots, Common Resonance

Sacred drumming traditions from West Africa and India come into conversation through rhythm, history and live demonstration at the Marshall Davis African Heritage Cultural Arts Center. Taking place Saturday, October 24, Ancient Roots, Common Resonance explores connections between Yoruba bata drumming and the Indian mrdanga, considering how each tradition carries cultural memory through patterned sound. Presenter Mukunda das draws on decades of musical and spiritual practice, including years spent living and teaching across West, Central and East Africa. His background also includes study within the Bhakti tradition and extended time in India, where he helped support the continuous kirtan practice at the Krishna Balaram Temple in Vrindavan. The program examines points of resonance between African and Indian sacred music while emphasizing the distinct histories and cultural contexts from which the two traditions emerge.