Bo Diddly Meets Africa

Kingsley K. Okyere will present a lecture recital on connections between American musician Bo Diddley and the traditional music of Ghana, advised by Dr. Sarah Politz.

Okyere will discuss his work leading the Bo Diddley/African Rhythms Project for the George A. Smathers Libraries. As an ethnomusicology graduate student, he researched the Ellas B. McDaniel (Bo Diddley) Collection at the Libraries, enabling him to trace the "Bo Diddley Beat" to its African origins. Bo Diddley originated several influential innovations, including a syncopated rhythm that became foundational in modern Rock n Roll.

Okyere conducted research that resulted in a composition combining elements of Afrobeat with Rock n Roll. Musicians at the University of Florida and from the Gainesville community will perform Okyere's composition as part of the lecture recital.

Admission is free, and the event is open to the public. A reception will be held after the program.

The event is sponsored by the George A. Smathers Libraries, School of Music, Center for African Studies, and Center for Arts, Migration, and Entrepreneurship. For information about the event, contact Elizabeth Haven Hawley at ehh@ufl.edu.

To learn about the Ellas B. McDaniel (Bo Diddley) Collection, visit https://findingaids.uflib.ufl.edu/.

UF Music Building, Room 101
435 Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32601

A Latin night with 'el Maestro de la salsa' Gilberto de Paz and the TROPIX

TROPIX is a Gainesville-based Latin-musicX band that performs salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, boleros and more! Specializing in bringing a Latin flavor to any event, TROPIX has its roots in the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. They perform music from throughout Latin America and Spain along with American standards and classics.

Bo Diddley Plaza
111 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601

***Pre-Show
Zumba with Yessenia (Learn some steps before TROPIX is on)
7:00 - 8:00pm