Telema Bii
NEW ALBUM
Intricate rhythms blend traditional kpalogo drums, djembe, kora, and balafone with exciting vocals, guitar riffs, and horn lines, creating a new musical force – a sound which connects him with his audiences and inspires even the most reserved listener to get up and dance and sing along.
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“[These] performers are masters of their talents... A great show, interesting, rhythmically amazing and just good fun.” Rupert Hoganturner , Kryztoff Raw
“An entire life experience, from birth to death... you really do get a complete rhythmic journey” Luke Balzan, Rip It Up
Bortier Okoe is founder, leader and choreographer of The Telema Bii.
The Telema Bii brings to life the wonderful world of West African music through high-spirited drumming, exuberant and dynamic dances and charming traditional songs with honey harmonies. They are an impressive & vibrant performance troupe who electrify their audiences.
The Telema Bii was formed in 2008 in Ghana, where Bortier hand picked a group of highly sought after musicians to form a dynamic and powerful ensemble. This ensemble worked within the community to pass on skills to young and old, nurturing and teaching them the importance of the spirit behind drumming and dance. Through performances and workshops Bortier Okoe and The Telema Bii passed on stories, dances and rhythms to the people of Africa, whilst being taught how to be good musicians and encouraged to keep Ghana’s rich culture alive.
Telema’s Adelaide based sister ensemble are a dynamic group of passionate Australian drummers and dancers who have spent time in Ghana immersing themselves in African culture and learning these same principles. Their 2011 Adelaide Fringe Festival performance ‘Footprints Through Africa’ sold out both shows and received critical acclaim from reviewers.
