The Light of Kinara: A Kwanzaa Celebration by Djapo Cultural Arts Institute

December 19, 2024 - December 22, 2024

7:30pm, Thu/Fri/Sat and 3:00pm, Sun, Gordon Square Theatre

This celebration begins at 6:30pm (2pm on Sun., Dec. 22) with a vendor market, carolers and storytelling. The approximately 75-minute performance is at 7:30pm (3pm on Sun., Dec. 22).

Vendors will be selling vintage and African décor, ladies apparel and accessories, haircare and skincare products, oils and more.

For this production, we offer three ticketing options: 

1. Reserved Table: Priced at $240, this option includes seating for four guests at your table. Along with your table reservation, you'll receive a complimentary bottle of wine (one bottle per table, choice of red, white, or non-alcoholic champagne).

NOTE: When purchasing a table, ensure you select all four seats before proceeding otherwise the order will not be processed.

2. Reserved Seating: At $50 each, these assigned seats are close to the stage, and you can choose specific seats in that section. Each ticket also includes a complimentary bar voucher good for a choice of one beverage per guest.

3. General Admission: As part of our commitment to accessibility, we offer a "Choose What You Pay" option for General Admission tickets with no handling fees.

Select the option that suits you best, and join us for an unforgettable performance!

Tickets

This vibrant performance guides viewers from an invocation of unity to a final reflection on faith. It is more than a celebration of Kwanzaa—it is a powerful reminder of the enduring light within us all, a light that shines brightest when we come together as a community, honoring our heritage and illuminating a future grounded in shared values. The celebration features spoken word, music and dance. 

Photo of Djapo Cultural Arts Institute by Steve Wagner

The Gordon Square Theatre is ADA-compliant featuring a ramped entrance and an all-gender, wheelchair accessible restroom.

The Light of Kinara Program

  1. Ruhusa: The giving of permission and blessings from the elders, honoring their wisdom and ensuring communal unity and ancestral favor.
  2. Matunda ya Kwanzaa: First Fruits – setting the table; an opening of unity, gratitude, and abundance. Laying the foundation for a season of growth, healing, and celebration.
  3. “Anka Dje Anka Be”: Everybody come together in unity and peace. UMOJA a reminder that unity is not just spoken but actively practiced through our actions, commitments, and shared purpose.
  4. Kaira Silo: The path of Peace. Kuchichagulia (Self-Determination).
  5. Konkoba: Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility) – This spirited dance from Guinea embodies the vitality of community and the joy of harvest. Its rhythms gives honor to the interconnectedness of the people, land, and culture.
  6. Ujamaa: Ukala emphasizes the power of working together for the collective good, supporting one another to create a thriving community. From the Tanga region in Tanzania, the Wazigua tribe celebrates food and illustrates the process of men hunting and women preparing food for everyone. As we work with our brothers and sisters all over the globe, nothing separates us but the water.
  7. Sandia: Honoring Djeli, the caste whose words have power to maintain history both past and present while carrying the prestige of generations on their shoulders. Surrounded by Elders, Nobles, and the greater community, Sandia emerges as a symbol of Niapurpose and resilience while embodying the enduring spirit of the bloodline.
  8. Fasiya: The work of my Father. The inspiration from watching my teachers – Kuumba – We honor the creativity and perseverance of our forebears. Let’s continue to keep their light shining, using Fasiya to inspire our communities and future generations to build a better world.
  9. The light of Kinara: Imani – As we light the kinara today, let’s remember the importance of keeping faith alive and moving forward. Just as each candle illuminates our path, let’s carry these lights into the new year with the faith of sowing positive seeds of change. Let’s pull together – Harambee to honor our shared heritage and build a brighter future.

Preview a Djapo Performance

Want a peek at the excellence you’ll find at a Djapo Cultural Arts Institute show? Check out this footage of Djapo performing at Station Hope.

a playlist from DJAPO to you

To accompany The Light of Kinara: A Kwanzaa Celebration, Djapo Cultural Arts Institute Musical Director Weedie Braimah has curated a playlist of Kwanzaa and non-Kwanzaa songs, many of which he played on! It’s a joyous, beautiful, multi-genre grab-bag of a playlist, and it has already introduced us to some new favorites. Enjoy.

PAST PERFORMANCE photos

Photos by Emanuel Wallace

Photos by Steve Wagner

ABOUT DJAPO CULTURAL INSTITUTE

In the Wolof language, Djapo means, “Together.”

Considered one of the premier cultural arts organizations in Ohio, Djapo Cultural Arts Institute is a professional Performing Arts Company comprised of talented artists from around the world. Founded in 2009 by Artistic Director Talise A. Campbell, Djapo Cultural Arts has touched over 450,000 people through performances, school assemblies, residencies, and workshops. Thousands more have enjoyed Djapo’s artistry at their highly anticipated annual Juneteenth African Dance & Drum Festival and Concert, which draws people from all over the world.

Djapo’s mission is to engage the community in the preservation and understanding of African diasporic works in music, dance, history and folklore through research, dialogue, community building, international travel and theatrical performance in order to foster collective learning and growth.

With a repertory of over 40 works from Artistic Director Talise Campbell as well as other nationally esteemed choreographers, Djapo sends a message of diversity and inclusion. The company continually expands the reach of artistic possibilities, making long-lasting connections while celebrating the universal spirit of dance.