TORONTO—Kofi Ackah knows good drumming when he sees it. Mr. Ackah is the drummer of the Juno Award-winning band African Guitar Summit, regarded by some as the best African music band in Canada. In 2005, he played Canada’s Live 8 concert, sharing the stage with the likes of Bryan Adams and Neil Young.
On Saturday afternoon, Mr. Ackah attended the Divine Performing Arts Mid-Autumn Spectacular in Toronto, and the drumming had him talking.
“The last feature was the bomb,” he said, referring to the performance Victory Drums. “It was very very nice. How it started from low and built up to high.”
“I love the drummers,” said Ackah, also singling out the performance Drummers of the Tang Court, which closed out the first act. “I like the drums and the dancing the way they move up and down.”
But, it’s not just their technique, he said, it’s also their attitude.
Kofi comes from the legendary Ackah family in Ghana. His father was a founder of the popular highlife music genre. As a teenager, Kofi joined his father’s band as a percussionist and travelled to entertain Ghana’s president.
“I like the show, especially the dancing. I’ve never seen something like that,” he said. “The way they used their hands; I can’t do that. Their movements are perfect.”
He was impressed with other aspects of the production, as well.
“I like the effect of the background. It’s amazing. I love that,” he said.
Kofi characterized the show as high-class, but more intriguing than ballet or opera.
“I watch ballet and stuff. It’s very different,” he said. “This keeps me hooked. I keep thinking, ’maybe the next one will be even better.'”
Part of what kept him so entranced, he said, was the extravagant costumes.
“I couldn’t believe the shoes,” he said, referring to the performance Ladies of the Manchu Court in which dancers move elegantly while wearing raised shoes.
“If it was me I would fall down right now,” he said. “I was like ‘wow,’ they really really did an amazing job.”
It was Mr. Ackah’s first time to attend a Divine Performing Arts show, but by the sounds of it, it won’t be his last.
“Any time this show is on, I will tell my friends to come and watch,” he said.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of China’s most ancient and cherished holidays. The Spectacular expresses Chinese classical dance and showcases authentic traditional Chinese culture. Through background scenery, costumes, and choreography, the Spectacular expresses truthfulness, compassion, and pure beauty. China’s history comes to life in this gorgeous performance that is entertaining, inspiring, and uplifting. The content of all programs is presented in both Chinese and English. For more info, visit DivineShows.com/Toronto .
