Join us July 19th and 20th, 2025 for a NUIT d’AFRIQUE, our 19th Annual Dance Celebration!
THE CONCERT
NUIT d’Afrique (A Night in Africa) will be a night to remember! Saturday, July 19th, join Afriky Lolo for our 19th annual dance concert. Our company is creating a show that will immerse you in West African dance and music. This year, we will be featuring the youth ensemble Azania Drum from Chicago!
Azania is Azania Drum is dedicated to mentoring children and young adults by fostering discipline, leadership, and teamwork through the vibrant traditions of West African music and culture.
Founded in 2000 by the late Baba Meshach Silas and Mama Ann Ward at the Betty Shabazz International Charter School, Azania Drum brought a powerful new voice to Chicago’s cultural landscape. With a focus on traditional instruments like the djembe and dunduns, Azania has inspired generations of youth to connect with their heritage through rhythm and community.
After the passing of Baba Meshach, Mama Ann, and Baba Atiba, the group continued under the leadership of Baba John Chapman and Baba Desmond Owusu. What began as a cultural after-school program has grown into a dynamic performance ensemble and programmatic space that continues to evolve—nurturing creativity, pride, and cultural connection in every beat. Learn more about Azania at azaniadrum.com and follow them on Instagram @azaniadrum!
It’s a night you won’t want to miss!
Doors and Bar open at 6 pm.
No flash photography or videography allowed.
We also are having series of workshops happening Sunday, July 20th to continue the celebration! Look below for more details :)
And be sure to follow us on Instagram at @afrikylolo for more!
Location: The Grandel | 3610 Grandel Square, St Louis, MO 63108
Artistic Director: DIADIE BATHILY
Assistant Artistic Director: KALI ROKYA
THE WORKSHOPS
Join us SUNDAY, July 20th for a Day of Classes!
Location: Saint Louis Dance Theatre | 3305 Washington Ave. | St Louis, MO, 6310
All classes are all levels!
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM Djembe Orchestra Class with John Chapman
Join us for a traditional djembe orchestra class led by Chicago’s own John Chapman, Co-Director of Azania Drum. In this immersive experience, you'll learn traditional West African rhythms using the djembe, the dundun family, and other percussion instruments. Need to rent a drum? Send us a message—we’ve got you covered!
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Afro-Decale with Eva
Join Eva in her Afro-Décalé class, a high-energy fusion class rooted in Coupé-Décalé—a dynamic dance and music style from Côte d’Ivoire—blended with popular street styles from across the African continent.
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM Sabar Vibes with Imania Detry
Born and raised in Chicago, Imania Detry brings her unique style to what she calls, Sabar Vibes—a high-energy fusion of traditional Senegalese Sabar technique and popular dance styles. With over 20 years of professional training and performance, including her time as a principal artist with Muntu Dance Theatre and Assistant Artistic Director of Ayodele Drum and Dance, Imania is dedicated to preserving African dance and culture while pushing creative boundaries. Her choreography blends Sabar, Djembe, Afrobeat, House, and more—creating an electric class that you can NOT miss.
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM Traditional Côte d’Ivoire Dance with Rokya Ouattara + Diadie Bathily
Join our dynamic duo—Artistic Director Diadie Bathily and Assistant Artistic Director Rokya Ouattara—for a powerful class in traditional dances from Côte d’Ivoire. No introduction needed! Visit this page to read their bios, and don’t miss the chance to close out the day with this unforgettable experience.
Prices
$15 per class before July 16th
$20 at the door
$50 for access to all the classes!