Waikiki Beach Concert Series: ShiDaa

ShiDaa plays traditional West African rhythms and dance songs. West African rhythms are the roots of much of American jazz. The group uses authentic traditional instruments such as Kpanlogo hand drums, talking drum, brevet, shakers, cowbell, large dun duns, small kagons, sticks, African xylophone, and voice to produce high energy rhythms. Director Saeed Abbas is a Certified Master Drummer and Flautist by the Ghana Ministry of Culture. Saeed Abbas has performed in many places in the world starting with his time with Ghana’s top performing group the National Dance Ensemble as their top drummer and is considered one of Ghana’s best talking drum performers. Additional ShiDaa members include Joe Horzak, Michael McLaskey, Mark Perschbacher, Chris Skinner, Mary Leone, Lia Rocheleau, Shannon Pickens and Allison Springer. 

Dance workshop leader, Eric Mensah Papoose, is a master of Ghanaian dance. He performed and taught with Ghana’s prestigious National Dance Theater in many countries.

Listen to ShiDaa on YouTube!

This event is accessible to persons with disabilities. If special accommodations are required in order to attend, please call (360) 701-7923. For hearing and speech-impaired, call the Washington Telecommunications Relay Service (800) 833-6384. Requests must be made in advance. For more information, please email FolkArts@parks.wa.gov or visit https://parks.wa.gov/folk-and-traditional-arts-program.