A concert to support women’s cottage industries in Guinea, West Africa

North Congregational UCC has partnered with Mamady Mansare, African Cultural Arts Institute, to present a fundraising concert in support of the women’s cottage industries in Guinea, West Africa. Villagers in Mamady’s home village of Coyah, have fed their families for generations by farming, but farming does not provide enough money to meet their needs for medical care, education, and housing expenses. The recent flooding in their community has made a challenging situation even more difficult.

The women are skilled tailors and jewelry makers but lack the funds to purchase supplies and equipment to produce enough items for profitable marketing. This fundraiser is designed to generate seed money for cloth, beads, and other supplies. Once they create sufficient inventory, Mamady, through his company, The African Cultural Arts Institute, will assist these artisans by marketing their crafts here in the U.S.

The concert will be presented by Mamady and his Columbus-based students, which includes Joyce Phelps. This will be an evening of West African cultural enrichment through traditional drumming, dance, song, and storytelling. Before the program ends, members of local drum circles will join Mamady and his students in one of the traditional rhythms from Guinea.

Concert Details:
- Doors will open at 6 pm for a silent auction (djembe drum, traditional African mask, cloth from Guinea, drum lessons with Mamady)
- Tickets - $20; children ages 12 and under - free

We hope you will join us for an evening of spirited music in support of our Guinean sisters!