Contemporary African music performer coming to UH Hilo PAC

Grammy Award-winning Ivory Coast vocalist and dancer Dobet Gnahoré brings her performance of African music traditions with a twist to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, February 22, at 7:30 p.m.

Gnahoré performs in seven languages, backed by a Pan-African band, and features a diverse music composition that moves from delicate ballads to upbeat African grooves. As a child, she trained in the music and dance traditions of the Bété people at the urging of her father, a well-known performer and master percussionist in West Africa. Her voice, dancing, charisma, and stage presence were developed through years of theatrical and choreographic work.

Gnahoré was recently nominated for “Best Traditional Female Artist of Africa” by the KORA All Africa Music Awards. In 2010, she shared an award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance with India. Arie at the 52nd Grammy Awards and has released several albums, including her latest Na Drê in 2014.

Tickets are Reserved seating and priced at $25 General, $20 Discount and $12 UH Hilo/Hawaiʻi CC students (with a valid student ID) and children, up to age 17, pre-sale, and $30, $25 and $17 at the door. Tickets are available by calling the UH Hilo Box Office at 932-7490 or by ordering online at artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu.