About Ocheami

Who Are We?

Ocheami is a group of performers with a common goal, to study and share West African culture with their audiences. In the Ga Language (Ghana, Africa), Ocheami means linquist, the representative who speaks on behalf of the chief. Performers speaking on behalf of West African people through drumming, dance, song and storytelling. Ocheami is currently celebrating 21+ years of providing excellent performances in these disciplines. Ocheami's work is guided by deep beliefs in the celebration of diversity, and is based on the seven principles of Kwanzaa (an African-American holiday celebration): Umoja (unity), Kujichaguilia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work), Ujama (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).

Ocheami's purpose is to share West African culture by providing authentic, quality instruction and performances in African Arts -- and to have these experiences accessible to all.

Primary to the group's work are Kofi and Amma Anang. Artistic direction is provided by Kofi, a graduate of the University of Ghana, Department of Music and Dance. He performed with the Ghana National Dance Ensemble throughout the world from 1965-1972, and he was lead dancer and musician with Oboade, (a well-respected Ghanaian music and dance ensemble) from 1972-1977. Incorporating his talents as a master drumer, teacher and choreographer, he co-founded Ocheami in 1978. Amma is a graduate of Mills College (Oakland, CA) with a Master of Fine Arts in Dance and is presently coordinating campus events at Edmonds Community College. She aided Kofi in founding Ocheami, and currently serves in the multifaceted roles of manager, costume designer, and dancer.

Past Achievements

A well-know and respected ensemble in the Puget Sound region (especially for their educational and residency work), Ocheami was the recipient of the 1998 Gordon Tracie Award for their significant conribution to the development and presentation of traditional arts in the Northwest. This award is given annually by the Northwest Ethnic Heritage Council. Ocheami has also enjoyed being featured on KOMO Seattle TV programs "How Bout That" and "True Colors". The company performed 10 shows at the 1st Annual WOMAD Festival USA in Redmond, WA and was honored to be selected as a key presenter at the International Festival of Puppet Theater in New York City (sponsored by the Jim Henson Foundation) in September, 1998. The youngest member of Ocheami, Sanai, son of Ocheami founders Amma and Kofi Anang made his national drumming debut at this festival at the age of four.