The event turned out to be an excellent success! If i could describe the performance in one word, that would be "EDUTAINMENT". They delivered an emotionally-charged and entertaining performance with an refreshing educating twist. With that being said, I want to express my gratitude to the very "down-to-earth" Seneke West African Percussion Ensemble for making this event a delight for all who participated! Each year we try to include a wide variety of performances to spark the interest of just about everyone here at Lawrence University and your group definitely bought the perfect touch of some much needed flavor. The drums were thrilling, the costumes were spectacular and the dance was passionate. I have since received many comments of praise on the performance and would like to pass this commendation on to you. Lawrence was indeed lucky to have you, and the Black Organization of Students were proud to host your talents. Thank you for your persistent time and effort, and for helping us bring in Spring term on the right note. It was a pleasure to work with you!
Cambreail Wash
President of Black Organization of Students, Lawrence University
"At the 2010 "Takin' it to the Streets" festival, the Unity Stage featured a mixture of local, national, and international artists that provided the audience with a diverse and eclectic sound experience. Seneke West African Percussion Ensemble drummed as part of our global rhythms segment, which showcased percussive traditions from Africa and Asia. Dressed in outfits drawn from Malinke culture, the ensemble gave an exceptional and invigorating performance of traditional djembe rhythms. Seneke delighted the audience with their display of expertise and artistic flair, both as an ensemble and during individual solos. Audience members could not help but to dance and clap to the vibrant music and complex rhythms Seneke played. It was an amazing experience!"
Meccasia Zabriskie,
Unity Stage Director "Takin It To The Streets" Festival
“The ensemble Seneke gives a thunderous performance on the Hothouses opening night.”
“A galvanic performance by Seneke”
Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune; Chicago , IL
Working together for a better world, The House of Marley was created from the belief in Bob Marley’s vision of “One World, One Love”. Driven by the desire to bring joy and spread happiness to people around the world, The House of Marley developed a range of earth-friendly, innovative products that adhere to the Marley family core values: equality, unity, authenticity, charity and sustainability. To commemorate the launch of this product line, HoMedics called upon JAM to create an unforgettable experience for guests. A big piece of this experience for our guests was the entrance and the initial
feeling they got when they entered. To achieve this initial feeling for the guests we hired the Seneke West African Percussion Ensemble to greet the guests as they first entered the event. When the guests arrived they were immediately greeted with the sweet sounds and
deep rhythms of Seneke. It was the beginning of a wonderful and unique evening. Seneke provided exactly what we needed. They were extremely professional and well liked by everyone, and most importantly our clients were ecstatic. They looked great and sounded even better. Thank you Seneke!
T.J. Annerino, Jam Entertainment and Creative Services
“Seneke ensemble is a high energy djembe orchestra that has done what many other more seasoned ensembles have not: pay strict attention to accurately representing the tradition of the djembe. Many ensembles mix African traditions together, most of the time unknowingly, due to lack of attention to study and technique, which ends up diluting and misrepresenting the very traditions that they purport to be upholding, but not Seneke! Lead by Sekou Conde on the drum side and Tosha Alston on the dance side, they are an incredible force of djembe orchestra music! Don’t miss Seneke!”
Michael Taylor, Professor of Tam Tam Mandingue Chicago
“I really enjoyed their performance because it wasn’t just great percussion and dance, they went further into an educational component to their performance”
Posted in Q'4 by Myschisms; Chicago IL
"We invited the Seneke Ensemble to come to our school to live a performance for our high school students. I was worried that our students would be resistant to participating (as many teens are), but the Seneke Ensemble so impressed them that, by the end of the performance, the students were up and dancing and clapping along to the music. It was a thrill to see! The show was a wonderful experience for them and, moreover, they were able to gain a better understanding of an amazing culture."
Ellie Badesh; Orthogenic School, Chicago IL
“Seneke’s performance was an excellent display of Traditional Cultures of Africa.”
Wisconsin Dells Water Resorts
“Seneke is a celebration of life, culture, tradition that must not be missed! The power of Sekou Conde’s drumming, combined with the explosive beauty of his dancers will reaffirm your joy of life.”
Lisa Dodson, Stage Manager, International stage, Taste of Chicago