Interactive Programs for Libraries, ORGANIZATIONS, SPECIAL EVENTS

Program Type: Performance with Audience Participation,

African Percussion and Village Experience

African Village Experience

Drums and Percussion

Black History Month

Summer Programs 

Family Fun Programs and Community Events

Traditional Village Life / African Culture

Description: Onye Onyemaechi, MBA, a world-renowned master percussionist, educator and performing musician, engages students and teachers and families in a participatory experience of African Village life. His repertoire involves student/children participation in African drumming, dancing, songs and stories. He uses captivating music, native dress and instruments presented in a historical/cultural context. 

All are encouraged to value and integrate their own heritages into their learning and living experiences. Onye toured seventeen Bay Area libraries to celebrate the book “What is the What" by Dave Egger. Also, at the  de Young Museum, Cultural Encounters commissioned Onye to celebrate and inaugurate the ART of Africa exhibit. He is author of the  richly illustrated The Drum: Voice of the Village; copies are available from the publisher.

What Librarians say:

"Onye was fantastic. It was inspiring to experience his joy for rhythm, hear the stories of how music and instruments are used to communicate and get kids moving… on Zoom. Thank you, thank you, for being creative as we try to find balance in this new reality and continuing these beloved summer programs!" Half Moon Bay Library

“Thank you for putting on such a wonderful program. Your high energy performance never fails to get the crowd dancing and drumming. A great time was had by all. I look forward to having you perform again in the future.”

Karen Armendariz, Santa Clara County Library District-Milpitas Library

"Onye Onyemaechi and his Village Rhythms performances are inspiring, energetic and just plain fun! Onye has performed at Summer Reading Club events at my libraries several times, and he always goes above and beyond with his wonderful music. The show is both interactive and educational. Kids and grownups are dancing in the aisles!" 

Jennifer Weeks, Supervising Librarian at Campbell Library

Berkeley Public Library

Dear sir or madam:

I attended the Village rhythms drumming presentation on February 26 and wish to convey my appreciation to library staff and to Messr. Onyemaechi for such an engaging and enlightened event. The world—collectively and individually—sorely need what was manifest at that event and Messr. Onyemaechi delivered it to us in no uncertain terms, with thoughtfulness and humor. Thank you, Richard Freeman

Newspaper article about a recent library event; https://www.thereporter.com/2023/02/25/dixon-library-hosts-village-rhythms-african-drumming-event/