FEB 21: SANKOFA PROJECT
February 21, 2026 (Sat) 7pm
SANKOFA PROJECT
First Baptist Church, 1112 E Broadway in Columbia
$25 General | $5 Student with I.D. | FREE Child 12 & Under.
DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 P.M.
SANKOFA PROJECT
A Journey Through Black Music and Artistry in America
Conceived and Curated by Patrick Dailey
In the West African tradition, the Adinkra symbol of “Sankofa” depicts a bird with its head turned backwards while its feet face forward carrying a precious egg in its mouth. The word itself means “go back and fetch it” and is further understood as “looking back to move forward”. The Sankofa Project: A Journey Through Black Music and Artistry explores the rich tapestry of vocal music created by African Americans. Originally planned for Black Music Month, the program features music by and tributes to Black musical figures across genres such as Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson, Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions, Florence Price, and Margaret Bonds performed by young HBCU alumni artists and members of the W. Crimm Singers making their mark on the performing arts world. Along with the powerful music, audiences will be treated to the powerful stories of these legendary artists through narration and dramatic interpretation. The music and artistry of African people is much like that precious egg in the mouth of the bird, full of vitality and sustainable resources. In experiencing this program, all will be inspired by these pivotal artists of the past and determined to move forward in creating a brighter future for us all.
Patrick Dailey, countertenor, curator/conceiver, and griot
Darshaya Oden, soprano
Bruce Bean, tenor
Allen J. Christian, bass-baritone
PROGRAMME
I. Songs We Sang in a Strange Land
I’ve Been Buked - arr. Hall Johnson, adapted for vocal quartet and piano by Patrick Dailey
O, What a Beautiful City- arr. Edward Boatner (dedicated to Marian Anderson)
Patrick Dailey, countertenor
II. Songs of the Stage
Allen J. Christian as Paul Robeson
Bruce Bean as George Shirley
Darshaya Oden as Grace Bumbry
“Sympathy”- Florence Price
In honor of Florence Price
Patrick Dailey, countertenor
Ngikhumbula Wena - Philasande Malevu
performed by the Sankofa Chorale of the University of Missouri
III. Songs of Defiance
“Love Will Find a Way” from Shuffle Along - Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle
Performed by Darshaya Oden
“Wake Up, Everybody”- John Whitehead, Gene McFadden, and Victor Carstaphen. As recorded by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes
Performed by Bruce Bean, Allen J. Christian, and Patrick Dailey
[Intermission - 15 min.]
IV. Songs of Faith and Hope
There’s Power by Gale Jones Murphy performed by the Sankofa Chorale of the University of Missouri
Freedom Songs Medley
-“Oh, Freedom”
-“Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round”
-“This Little Light of Mine”
Audience Invited to sing along
“How I Got Over”- William Herbert Brewster, Attributed to Clara Ward. As recorded by Mahalia Jackson and Aretha Franklin
Peformed by Patrick Dailey With the Sankofa Chorale of the University of Missouri
He’s Got the Whole World- arr. Margaret Bonds, adapted for Sankofa Quartet and piano by Patrick Dailey
Total Praise – Richard Smallwood
featuring the Sankofa Project Quartet and the Sankofa Chorale of the University of Missouri
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Run Time with Intermission:
70 Minutes
Presentation Type:
Dramatic Concert Presentation, In-Person
Instrumentation/Personnel:
Sankofa Quartet:
Patrick Dailey, countertenor, curator/conceiver, and griot
Darshaya Oden, soprano
Bruce Bean, tenor
Allen J. Christian, bass-baritone
with
Brandon A. Boyd, piano