A Futa Toro performance is a  vibrant, handclapping event that transports the audience to a distant West Africa village. It begins with a 'drum call,' using a traditional West African rhythm, such as Sunu (soo-noo), to signal everyone within hearing that a celebration is about to begin. Group leader Malik Sow helps the audience understand the customs, attire and lifestyle of the people of West Africa. The instruments used in the performance include a djunjun (jun jun), or bass drum; two djimbe (gem bay) drums which play the accompaniment patterns and lead parts; and a shekere (shay ker ay), a gourd rattle covered with a netting of beads.

Dance is an integral aspect of the music, not a separate piece. One of the most popular dances is the tague (tah gay) which is performed before the planting and after the harvesting of the crops. Another dance, the doumb, challenges the skill of the performers with intricate dance steps performed at rapid tempos. The audience is invited to participate with rhythmic claps and call and response songs, as well as in the dancing.

ABOUT 

The Be the Change Series is the Library’s promise to build collective understanding of systemic racism, elevate the voices and stories of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), and inspire our community to be the change through lectures, exhibits, and programming.  It takes place in conjunction with such commemorations as Hispanic Heritage Month, Filipino American History Month, Native American Heritage Month, Black History Month, Armenian Genocide Remembrance, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and LGBTQ+ Pride. 

PARKING 

Parking is available on the surrounding streets, including S. Pacific Avenue, Riverdale Drive, S. Kenilworth Avenue and Vine Street. Please check signage for parking restrictions and details.

For additional information about this event, please contact Pacific Park Library at 818-548-3760 or send us an email at LibraryInfo@GlendaleCA.gov