Step Afrika!. Photo © Jim Saah.

Captioning

Recommended for grades 3-12

In 1739, Africans enslaved in South Carolina used their drums to start a revolt—a little-known event that forever transformed African American life and culture. When the Stono Rebellion cost Africans the right to use their drums, the beats found their way into the body of the people—the Drumfolk. This led to some of our country’s most distinct traditions like the ring shout, tap, and stepping. Step Afrika!’s highly interactive and energetic performances for students are both educational and unforgettable! 

Gallery

Reviews and More

“Drumfolks … reclaims vital strands of American culture and anchors them in African bodies.”

—The Washington Post

“When the drums vanished from enslaved Africans’ hands, the beat leaped into the body — and into American culture.”

—The Washington Post

"The steppers moved in perfect unison, their feet pounding the stage in a mesmerizing display of precision and skill. Each step was carefully choreographed and executed brilliantly, showcasing the incredible athleticism of the performers."

—RollingOut

"The dancers invigorated and captivated the audience with their technique, agility, and pure energy"

—The Almanac

"With Drumfolk, Step Afrika! will give Minnesota audiences a rich, rhythmic, reverberating Black history lesson through a performance combining dance, drums, and movement."

—Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

Related Links

Related Public Event

Step Afrika event page

Step Afrika!

Drumfolk

Past event
Oct 13, 2023

Supported by The Givens Foundation

The Givens Foundation for African American Literature logo

Acknowledgments

Minnesota State Arts Board - logos

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

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