Africa Umoja Brings Exhilarating Song, Music and Dance To Atlanta's Rialto Center Nov. 25-30

The global sensation Africa Umoja is coming to Atlanta, Tuesday-Sunday, Nov. 25-30, 2014 as part of its worldwide “20 Years of Freedom and Democracy” tour (www.umojausatour.com). The high-energy musical tells the story of South Africa through song, storytelling, dance and drama, performed by an all-South African cast of 32 men and women. Shows will be held at 8 p.m. each night at the Rialto Center for the Arts downtown, 80 Forsyth Street, 30303 (http://rialto.gsu.edu/), and tickets range from $53 - $88, with group ticket pricing available. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the Rialto Center’s box office at (404) 413-9849.

The show, which has played to sold-out audiences in over 50 countries, is an exuberant journey through South African history, using the traditions of storytelling, drum talk, dance and song. The sweeping tale moves from the potent rhythms of tribal music to the intricate steps of Gumboot dancing. It incorporates jazz stylings of Sopiatown, joyful Gospel singing and Kwaito music from Johannesburg. The storyline takes the audience from the country’s early history, through Apartheid and into today. It includes the song Long Road to Freedom, written by Paul Hone as a tribute to Nelson Mandela, and the song, I Have a Dream, written by Allen Simone as a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. According to Africa Umoja’s Executive Producer Joe Theron, both men offered their songs to the production after seeing a performance of Africa Umoja.

“It’s beautifully appropriate to have Africa Umoja come to Atlanta as part of the “20 Years of Freedom and Democracy Tour”, since our city has such a rich civil rights history,” said Fulton County Commission Chairman John Eaves. “I had the privilege of seeing this remarkable show a year ago, and it truly is a don’t-miss experience. There’s something for everyone. It’s a family-friendly, high-quality performance of music and dance that also offers a history lesson and an inspiring focus towards a bright future.”

“Umoja” means “together” in the Zulu language. It was chosen as the name of this uplifting production by co-writers Todd Twala and Thembi Nyandeni, with music by Mariam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and others, to symbolize the struggle of all South Africans to find a way to live together in cooperation and respect. It also embodies the mission of the show’s creators to empower underprivileged youths and expand their opportunities.

The versatile singers, dancers, drummers and marimba players are among South Africa’s most talented performers. In addition to thrilling audiences across the globe, the young men and women are the official representatives to the U.S. for South Africa’s celebration of 20 years of freedom and democracy.

Africa Umoja is presented by South Africa Airlines and the International Arts Foundation of New Orleans (www.internationalartsfoundation.com). Founded over 25 years ago to promote the benefits of cultural diversity through community projects and economic development, the Foundation has expanded its focus to include art, education and international exchange, using music, dance, song and folklore to enrich communities.