The Artists
Apeletey Fofoo Attiso
Apey is a master dancer from Ghana, West Africa who specialises in many forms of dance including traditional African, freestyle, hip hop, contemporary and salsa. He is a dynamic dancer who astounds audiences with his electrifying interpretations of traditional and original dances by imbuing them with his own unique style and explosive energy. Apey is also a renowned drummer with impressive stick and hand drum skills.
Apey has been dancing since he was nine years old, training under many Ghanaian masters including Issac Nana Anim. He has danced professionally with eight dance ensembles in Ghana and also travelled several times around Germany and Israel to perform and run workshops. Apey studied dance pedagogy and choreography at Aiken Hyde Dance School which has enabled him to become an accomplished dance teacher and in 2012 led a group of young students who went on to win the nation wide dance competition. He has also been a senior associate lecturer at the University of Legion in the Performing Arts Department for the last seven years.
Amos Kwaku Gabia
Amos, Saha's vocalist and percussionist, is skilled in djembe, kpanlogo, flute, dun dun, asalato, as well as fire dancing. Amos' talent and bright smile fills audiences with warmth and magic. He enthusiastically describes music as 'soul food' and it is impossible not to be touched by his passion for African culture and genuine love of musical expression.
Amos' home in Ghana is where his career began when he joined the international touring ensemble ‘Akorwa’ based in London. Amos has taught groups of international adult drummers annually for nine years with the Rhythm Power Tour, hosted by Ekome Tours. He was one of the first teachers with the tour and takes his position of manager seriously. He has also taught drumming to children in schools all over Ghana. Amos’ commitment to his artform makes him highly regarded in his community. He will be touring Australia for six months in 2013 to teach workshops in schools, public events, and festivals.
David Bortey Bortier
Bortey is a passionate and talented African dancer. Born in Ghana, he is a custodian of the rich West African tradition of dance and percussion. His performance style expresses raw power coupled with quiet gentleness which keeps audiences mesmerized. Each of Bortey's performances show his deep love for dance and he hopes that each step, spin, and jump make the audience happy.
At the age of seven Bortey discovered his passion for dance and continued to study traditional dance all throughout his schooling years. Since 2000 he has taught many people of all ages and abilities, including 10 years experience and has taught international students on the international Ekome Tour as part of Salaka Dance Ensemble. He has taught at the University of Ghana, in over 15 public and private schools, military programs, and lead a number of groups that achieved national dance awards.
Raymond Odai Laryea
Ray is Saha's awe-inspiring master drummer from Ghana. To see him perform is to witness a display of invigorating power and vitality. He keeps the tradtional West African rhythms alive whilst they flow and blend with exciting dances and contemporary creations. The son of a drum maker, Ray was born into the world of drumming and from the tender age of 4 taught himself how to drum with reused empty cans from his mother’s kitchen.
At 19 Ray was handpicked to join the Pan African Orchestra where he toured Germany as the lead drummer in 2000 and 2002. Afterward, he set up his own group called Ayekoo Drummers and toured Switzerland and Italy in 2009 and 2010 and has also toured West Africa. Ray has sound teaching experience having taught students from the age of 5 to 55 for over 5 years, including international students with Ekome Tours - Salaka Ensemble.
Akaa Rose Borkai Bortey
Akaa grew up in Ghana with dance as an integral part of her life. At the age of 7 she found herself encouraging the students at her school to dance, sing, and create music in the playground! Her passion for dance and zest for life make her an exceptional and energetic performer. She exudes a warmth and enthusiasm that make her a favourite with audiences. She truly believes that dance has the power to make people happy.
Akaa is also a talented percussionist and vocalist and toured in Australia from 2006-2009 as lead female dancer for Wala. She has taught workshops and has given performances at over 50 schools, public festivals, and shows and is very familiar with western teaching styles. Akaa performed with several cultural groups in Ghana before joining Saha Africa Ensemble including The Kusun Ensemble, Aziza, Nungua All Stars, and Agyenpa.
Seth Odai
Seth is a talented drummer from Nungua in Southern Ghana. He is known for his natural feel for rhythms and brilliant solo patterns. He is highly regarded in his community and is not only an accomplished djembe drummer but also plays the dun dun, kpalago, talking drum, and a variety of percussion instruments.
Coming from a drumming family, Seth started at a very young age with a group called, Adumpa, based in Nungua. Since then he has drummed with four other dance and drum ensembles in Ghana. As a member of the Salaka group, he won a National Music Competition and then went on tour in West Africa. Seth has over 10 years of experience teaching drumming to school children of all ages and is passionate about sharing his culture and heritage.