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African rhythms, dance performance to help out Sierra Leone charity group

Feb. 23 show by Issamba ensemble a fundraiser for Victoria-Taiama Partnership
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A group of Victoria teachers and other volunteers and donors who, over the past 25 years, have supported the health and welfare of girls and women in an impoverished Sierra Leone community, are looking to make their next big impact.

As part of a campaign to raise funds for equipment, supplies and the hiring of midwives for the Judy Smith Health Centre and Maternal Health Clinic they helped build in 2016, the Victoria-Taiama Partnership will benefit from an entertaining fundraiser Feb. 23 at the Victoria Event Centre.

Staged by the Victoria African and Caribbean Cultural Society and produced by Pulchérie Mboussi, the 19-plus show will feature a performance by Issamba entitled La Nuit du Balafon and Ngoni-Kora Night, in a celebration of African heritage and B.C. Black History Month. Audience members will hear a jazz fusion of traditional African instruments and rhythms and experience dancing styles from around the continent.

READ ALSO: The Alexander family was among the first Black pioneers in B.C.

During intermission at 8:45 p.m., guest auctioneer Roshan Vickery from Kilshaws will auction off everything from getaways and local services to African fabric, art and jewelry. The aftershow from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. features Afrobeats by DJ Vinnie Bugatti and guests.

For the main show, tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door if available. Admission to the aftershow is $10. Visit eventbrite.ca to purchase online.

To make a donation to the charity, visit them online, send funds via e-transfer to victoriataiamaproject@gmail.com, or send a cheque to Victoria-Taiama Partnership, P.O. Box 95, Malahat BC, V0R 2L0.



editor@mondaymag.com

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15479954_web1_MMA-TaiamaFounders
Maureen Mark and Eric Sama co-founded a program in 1993 that saw school children in Victoria and Sierra Leone exchange pen pal letters. Over the years that grew into the Victoria-Taiama Partnership, which has rebuilt a school, created a health clinic specializing in maternity care, and promoted post-secondary education for young women. taiama.org