10th International Body Music Festival - Dzodze, Ghana - 6-16 July 2018 is SOLD OUT! See you in Africa!
Xexeame Godoo Lameʋuƒoƒo Za

An IBMF like no other, your Ghana Body Music Adventure is TEN days of concerts, workshops and cultural exchange with some of the world's finest contemporary and traditional Body Musicians, PLUS intensive workshops in Ghanaian drumming and dance. Hosted by Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo and the Nunya Music Academy, our 10th IBMF is a rare opportunity to learn and experience Ghanaian music in its natural setting, while translating these traditional rhythms to the body.

IBMF GHANA SEAT on the BUS Includes:

• A variety of workshops and lecture-demonstrations for all levels
• Hotel lodging at White Dove Hotel, Dzodze (double occupancy)
• A weekend of activities in Accra
• Daily meals
• In-country transport from July 6-July 16, 2018. (This includes Accra - Dzodze - Accra)
• Workshops in traditional drumming, dancing, & singing
• Performances of traditional music and dance, and international Body Music
• Excursions to traditional villages, ceremonies, cultural events and sights of interest
• 10th IBMF T-Shirt!

NOTE: This is not a luxury vacation, but an incredible opportunity to experience life in a small West African village. While we will do our very best to take good care of all participants, please be aware of travel and conditions in West Africa.

We'll pick you up at the Accra airport July 6 and return you on July 16. Please arrive no later than 1300hr on July 6. You are welcome to arrive earlier or stay later, but these are the days our busses will provide airport transportation. We can send you more information to assist you depending on when you arrive.

We are SOLD OUT for SEATS on the IBMF BUS

What is NOT included in total cost?
• Air fare (to and from ACC, Ghana)
• Optional Meals off-site
• Bottled Water: Participants are expected to buy their own bottled water
• Excursions and other local transport outside organized group travel
• Visa fee
• Vaccination/Medical fees
• Malaria prophylaxis
• International travel health insurance
• Mobile phone credit and Internet usage: Optional estimated $30 - $100
• Additional private instruction: Optional $10/hour

From tundra to tropics, people snap, clap, step and sing artful music. BODY MUSIC ignites audiences with music you can SEE, dance you can HEAR - it's the oldest music on the planet, and it's brand new. Founded in 2008 by Oakland, California-based arts non-profit Crosspulse and Artistic Director Keith Terry, the International Body Music Festival is the only gathering of its kind, featuring traditional and contemporary Body Music artists from across the globe. The IBMF is presented in the San Francisco Bay Area every other year, and by international partners in the interim years: Brazil, Turkey, Indonesia, Paris, now Ghana!

Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo is a Ghanaian music educator, performer and scholar. He is an Adjunct Professor of Ethnomusicology and African Studies at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, where he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in African music, Ethnomusicology, and African Studies and Directs the UBC African Ensemble and Co-Directs Adanu Habobo. Kofi is the Founding Director of Nunya Music Academy. He holds a Teachers Diploma in Education in Music and Ewe Language (University of Education, Winneba, Ghana); BA Honors in Linguistics and Music (University of Ghana, Legon); Certificate in Orff-Schulwerk Level III (San Francisco Orff Course); Graduate Certificate in African Studies, MA and Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology (University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA). Dr. Gbolonyo is a seasoned clinician who loves teaching across cultures, performs, conducts workshops and gives presentations all over the world.

Artistic Directors: Keith Terry and Kofi Gbolonyo
Executive Director: Evie Ladin
Project Manager: Maude Wilson
Production Manager: Cecilia Engelhart
Graphics: Debbie Berne, Godwin Amenyitor
Webmaster: Jeni Paltiel


Kofi Gbolonyo's Orff-Afrique Course will take place the two weeks prior to the International Body Music Festival (June 20 to July 3rd) in the same location. Sponsored by The San Francisco International Orff Course, this course is designed for teachers working with all ages (children and adults) who want to incorporate West African music and dance in their curriculums. The Ghanaian teachers will share a repertoire of songs, games, dances, drum ensemble and Ghanaian xylophone music and Sofia Lopez-Ibor, Doug Goodkin and James Harding, three internationally renowned Orff Schulwerk teachers, will focus on an effective pedagogy to teach the material. Go to www.sforff.org for more info.

Photo: WestonStudioLLC via Flickr/Creative Commons