When I was a student attending NationHouse from 1978 - 1991, I studied Taratibu taught by Mama Afia.
"Taratibu combines contemporary military drill movements with traditional African dance. Taratibu also integrates vocals, including traditional Negro spirituals, contemporary gospel and songs in Kiswahili, the national language of several East African countries, as well as vocals in Zulu, the most widely spoken language in South Africa."
"Mama
Afia Nson, art had always been somewhat of a family tradition and the
driving force for every venture in her personal and professional life.
Afia Nson Bonsu was born 1956 in Trenton, New Jersey. She relocated to
the District of Columbia to transfer to Howard University from Mercer
County College Fine Arts program after a 2-year hiatus. She created for
academia, she created as an outlet, and she created as a means of
income; selling jewelry and crafts at various festivals and art events. A
mother of 2 sons, and a full time student, her determination, hard
work, dedication and vision were recognized with a spot on the dean’s
list. In 1978 upon arriving in the District, Afia began dancing with
Wose' Dance Company under the direction of Aiedoo Holmes followed by
Memory of African Dance Company under the direction of Djimo Kouyate
until 2005.
She also
performed briefly with Nation Liberation Arts Ensemble. Over the
course of 30 years Afia Nson Bonsu has painted backdrops, constructed
dance costumes, created approximately 150 pieces of wearable art,
produced graphic tee designs for organizations and individuals,
illustrated album covers, book covers and four children's books. She
taught, created lesson plans, and directed pre-school through high
school from 1978 through 2010.
In
1993 Afia produced a poster art coloring collection called
'Nationkolors'. She has produced artwork, textile and dance instruction
for a youth summer program from 1979-1998. She served as an art, step
and dance instructor for elementary students in the Washington DC
metropolitan area from 1998- 2006. She is the official creator of the
dance/step team 'Taratibu', founded in 1979; a program that has served
the community, and contributed greatly to the art of step along the east
coast.
She has conducted
professional development sessions for educators, sewing workshops, and
even life coaching sessions. In addition to her many partnerships with
various organizations and her amazing work as a private seamstress, Afia
also serves as assistant costume designer for select Caribbean carnival
bands in Antigua, constructing wearable masks and headpieces. Afia has
devoted every aspect of her life to her children. Though she has birthed
4, she has and continues to raise, inspire and influence children
across communities. “Now that [her] children are grown”, Ms. Bonsu is
actively reestablishing her art career. She currently manages and
facilitates an acclaimed homeschool academy for infants and toddlers
using art to produce original learning supplies. Her company,
Rhythm-N-Flow LLC, has been in operation since 2011and shall be
releasing the long-awaited and highly requested curriculum to be
accompanied by earning supplies inspired by her original artwork. Afia
Nson Bonsu has committed her life to serving others through her talents
and creations."