Unique Arts performing arts group will usher in Emancipation Day celebrations with ‘Kaya – Home in Africa’ next Friday, July 31 at the National Cultural Centre.
Kaya, which is being held in collaboration with Phenomenon Dance Company, is the third annual production for Unique Arts at this time of the year where it seeks to take audiences on a journey through African culture with dance and spoken word.
Kelton Jennings, founder, director and chief choreographer of Unique Arts told The Scene that patrons can expect African music, dances and spoken word in the first half of the show. The second half, he said, will be more varied with Indian, Soca, Gospel and Contemporary dances. In addition, there will be guest performances by Rashlie Joseph, Mr Guyana African Roots and the presentation of the Miss Emancipation 2015 contestants.
Jennings also said that the Mr Guyana African Roots pageant is set to return next year in February.
Kaya is the second production for the year in which Unique Arts is collaborating with another group. In March it presented the Return of the Lion King at the National Cultural Centre in collaboration with Crystallite Dance Group. Unique Arts has some 150 members aged 9 to 27 years old and groups in Berbice, Linden, Georgetown and Pouderoyen. Phenomenon is a 15-member dance company founded by Marissa Primo and Malinda Solomon, sisters of Soca King Jumo Primo.
Friday’s show starts at 8 pm and tickets cost $1,500; there will be open seating.