Antonis Papadopoulos / Anna Karamitsou - African Vibes

Alternative Stage Founding Donor

 Major Sponsor of the Greek National Opera

After years of research and study, musician and percussion teacher Antonis Papadopoulos, along with dancer, choreographer, and dance teacher Anna Karamitsou, and the fiery group of musicians and dancers Seli Kanou, invite the audience to a unique music and dance experience, brimming with passion and authentic energy from Western Africa. Titled African Vibes, this concert promises to take us on an enchanting journey through the most dynamic, ecstatic, and vibrant rhythms and dances of Western African culture. A concert that creates an atmosphere of celebration, expression, and freedom through the unbreakable connection between percussion and dance.

The African dance and percussion group Seli Kanou – which means “celebration of love” in Bambara, the main dialect of Mali – was formed in 2004 by Anna Karamitsou (artistic director, director, choreographer) and Antonis Papadopoulos (music supervisor) to promote the study and dissemination of African art and culture across Greece. The group’s dances, music, and songs are primarily rooted in the traditions of Western Africa, particularly those of Mali, Guinea, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and the Ivory Coast.

The production “2nd PERCUSSION FESTIVAL OF THE GNO ALTERNATIVE STAGE” is part of the GNO Alternative Stage’s unit of programming titled “CYCLE OF THEMATIC CONCERTS”, which falls under the ACT “FESTIVAL EVENTS OF THE GNO ALTERNATIVE STAGE 2024-2025” » (MIS 6002467) with code 2024ΕΠ08570049 (Priority: “Fostering regional social cohesion through the enhancement of mechanisms and infrastructure to support employment, education, health care and socioeconomic inclusion” of the programme “Attica 2021-2027) and is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and National Resources.