Asase Yaa Cultural Foundation, one of New York City’s most revered African performing arts organizations for over 23 years, proudly presents the 2nd Annual Rhythms & Movements of African American Culture Festival, an extraordinary five-day celebration commemorating the 55th Anniversary of Black History Month. It will be presented February 12 – 16, 2025 at the historic Abrons Art Center, Playhouse Theater (466 Grand Street, New York, NY 10002).

This year's theme, "Revolution Requires Resistance," chronicles a powerful exploration of African American identity, activism and cultural resilience. The Festival features 14 performances, including six youth performances, four evening headlining events, a post-music concert Talk Back, a visual arts exhibit, and a series of spoken word artists that will open the evening shows. There are 11 featured artist performers and over 100 contributing artists featured throughout the Festival.

Sponsors of the Festival are The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation, Howard Gilman Foundation, and Kolibri Foundation, and it’s produced by the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation. Tickets for the evening performances are $35 and school performances are $20. Both are available through the Abrons Art Center box office and here. The four headlining evening events include:

February 12–14: SUNJATA KAMALENYA BY THE EXPERIENTIAL THEATER COMPANY, this interactive play brings to life the heroic journey of Sunjata Keita, the Lion King of West Africa, offering audiences a cultural adventure rooted in leadership, unity, and family values. Lead actress Naja Selby-Morton plays the role of the storyteller, "Djeli Muso. Showtimes: 10:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.

February 13: BLACK DANCE PIONEERS: LEGACY DANCE PERFORMANCE, featuring Asase Yaa Youth Ensemble, FIYAA Forces of Nature Youth Arts Alliance, and Ife Youth Dance Theater. This evening pays homage to the dance and cultural trailblazers who paved the way for African American dance. Showtime: 7:30 p.m.

February 14: TRIBUTE TO ARTISTS OF THE REVOLUTION: MUSICAL PERFORMANCE. The extraordinary duo of artists Weedie Braimah and Balla Kouyaté will take you on a journey through traditional Djeli music from Mali that sparked West African revolutionary freedom movements, to the soulful voices of African American soul and jazz artists' that fueled activism and unrelenting resistance to racism in the US. They are reuniting on stage for the first time in over a decade. Produced by Chief Ayanda Clarke and the Fadara Group, there will be a free post-performance talk hosted by Chief Clarke offering unique insights into the performance's cultural and historical significance. Showtime: 7:30 pm.

February 15 - 16: DJEMBE IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM: MUSICAL PERFORMANCE, featuring the Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater. This electrifying performance blends West African tradition with contemporary music, chronicling the evolution of African dance in New York City. Showtime: 7:30 pm. Sunday Matinee: 3:00 PM.

Other highlights of the Festival include VOICES OF RESISTANCE: SPOKEN WORD SERIES, a collective of spoken word artists who will open the evening performances with an original work inspired by the festival’s theme, taking place between February 13-16. And the EVOLUTION OF ACTIVISM: VISUAL ARTS EXHIBIT, sponsored by the Matisse Foundation, which will highlight works by student artists and activists from District 16 in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. The exhibit explores how art has elevated activism and societal change. It will be on view in the theater lobby throughout the Festival.

All the performances will take place the Abrons Art Center’s Playhouse Theater which has a capacity of 350 people. Asase Yaa is also offering special All-Access Festival ticket packages to all major performances and pre and post-events for $250, and a Festival Event Pass to the four headlining performances for $125.

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