Ska and Reggae Music Education and Performance in Jamaica

Jamaican popular music--ska, rocksteady, reggae, dancehall--is the foundation of popular culture but also critical to economy, community and identity. The role of the Alpha Boys School in the development of Jamaican intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is a uniquely Jamaican story. Led by the Sisters of Mercy, a Roman Catholic order of nuns, since 1890, Alpha Boys School went on to become pioneers of ska and reggae icons. Traditionally outside the formal, mainstream music education system, Alpha's embrace of music training has led to a significant accumulation of institutional and collective knowledge around development and transmission of ICH. Following renovations during COVID, Alpha launched a tertiary degree and is training young men and women from around Jamaica with a curriculum emphasizing Jamaican ICH. Its Community Music Programming is similarly focused on raising awareness and engagement with ICH at the educational and professional level in communities outside of Kingston.

ICH through Craft and Tourism

We bring joy to people by facilitating sustainable development that is aimed at creating income opportunities for communities across South Africa. We empower people to change their own lives by showing them how they can grow through asset-based community development, craft production, retail support, and running authentic tours and experiences. They also learn that working collaboratively and partnering with others who share their values can help their communities thrive. Established in 2004, Africa!Ignite is a leading rural development agency based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa with operations expanding into the rest of the country - our current focus being the Eastern Cape and Gauteng. We implement holistic programmes that enable rural communities to create meaningful and sustainable income opportunities to support their livelihoods and build resilience. While we prioritize women and youth, our inclusive approach helps to unlock local value chains that benefit entire communities. Africa!Ignite operates thr

Ancestral Remedy

The active Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) domain represented by the “Ancestral Remedy” comic is rooted in oral traditions, indigenous healing practices, intergenerational wisdom, and community-based storytelling. This comic series documents and creatively transmits narratives from Kenyan informal settlements, showcasing how ancestral knowledge systems—especially those related to traditional medicine, gender roles, and community dispute resolution—are adapted in the context of urban challenges and youth identity."Ancestral Remedy" functions as a living ICH archive, illustrating:Indigenous herbal remedies and their cultural significanceStories of elders and traditional healers (waganga) in navigating health and social issuesThe use of storytelling as therapy and resistance to marginalizationYouth reinterpretation of heritage in a digital age through animation, illustration, and gamified learningThe comic is developed through community dialogues, story circles, and collaborative scriptwriting with youth and

Zaouli - The History Of The Zaouli Dance Of Côte d'Ivoire

The Zaouli dance is a traditional mask dance from Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa. It is performed by the Guro people and is an essential part of their cultural heritage. The dance features an ornate wooden mask with a highly stylized representation of a beautiful woman's face, adorned with a tall headdress and intricate detailing.Zaouli is typically performed at various social and religious ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, and festivals. The dancer, often dressed in vibrant, flowing attire, moves with incredible grace and agility, imitating the mask's elegant features and expressions. The dance involves intricate footwork, rapid spins, and rhythmic hand claps accompanied by traditional music, including drums and percussion instruments.Zaouli is not only a form of entertainment but also a means of passing down cultural stories and preserving the Guro people's traditions. The dance has gained international recognition for its artistic beauty and cultural significance, making it an integral part of Ivorian he

Gbofe of Afounkaha, the music of the transverse trumps of the Tagbana community, a cultural heritage in need of safeguarding

Gbofe of Afounkaha holds deep cultural and social significance in Cote d'Ivoire. It serves as a powerful medium for communication, conveying messages of praise, love, satire, mourning, and moral or educational teachings during various rituals and traditional ceremonies. Gbofe plays a vital role in conferring respect for the holders of tradition, fostering cultural unity, peace, and social cohesion among different communities and people. Additionally, it represents a crucial part of the cultural identity of the Tagbana community, preserving their historical narratives, values, and artistic expressions across generations.

Zaouli, cultural heritage of Côte d’Ivoire

The Zaouli dance of Côte d'Ivoire holds deep cultural and social significance, symbolizing various meanings and serving important roles within Ivorian communities. Its meanings and importance can be summarized as follows:Cultural Identity and Heritage: The Zaouli dance embodies the cultural identity and heritage of the communities in Côte d'Ivoire, reflecting their traditional values, beliefs, and practices. It serves as a powerful symbol of the region's rich cultural legacy, connecting the present generation with its historical and traditional roots.Celebration of Femininity and Beauty: The dance is often associated with the celebration of feminine beauty and grace, as it is performed by individuals adorned in elaborate masks and costumes representing idealized concepts of beauty. Through its intricate movements and rhythmic expressions, the Zaouli dance honors the beauty and elegance of women, portraying them as central figures in Ivorian culture.Social Cohesion and Unity: The Zaouli dance fosters social co

2020 JIAPICH Finalist- ASAMA of Burkina Faso

Art of crafting and playing Mbira/Sansi, the finger-plucking traditional musical instrument in Malawi and Zimbabwe

Traditional Mauritian Sega: The Talented Mauritian Music

Bigwala : The warm welcome of royal African hospitality, dance, and song

Falconry, a living human heritage