Rising Sun: United for East Africa & Japan
An eclectic evening of World Music

Audience Reviews:

“Rising Sun is an event that is a remarkable demonstration of inter-cultural concern and indiscriminate interest in the well-being of humanity. This is a supremely positive narrative of cross-cultural collaboration, people of different backgrounds unioffer relief and assistance to people of still different backgrounds.”
- Eric Farr

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About the Event

Rising Sun: United for East Africa & Japan took place on Saturday, 19th of November 2011 at the Trinity-St. Paul Center, Toronto. The event featured LIVE eclectic performances by: YAKUDO (Traditional Japanese drummers), SAMA' (Sacred Arts and Music Alliance), Ayame Kai Dance Group and a special guest performance by Njacko Backo.

This event seeked to raise awareness of the devastation in Japan and East Africa engaging people through the harmonious thread of music, towards providing relief for the disaster victims. Portion of the proceeds (in part) will be donated to the JCCC Foundation’s Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, and to IDRF’s East Africa Drought Relief Fund.

Drought, conflict and rapidly rising food prices have left over 12.4 million people in need of life-saving aid across East Africa. The UN says East Africa is experiencing the worst drought in 60 years, with more than 10 million people threatened by starvation in four countries – Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti.It has been caused by the lack of rains and the failure of governments to adequately finance agriculture and irrigation schemes.

The Japanese earthquakes and Tsunami of March 11, April 7 and April 11 left at least 8,206 missing , and inflicted extensive material damage to buildings and infrastructure that led to significant accidents at four major nuclear power stations.

Artists Unite

YAKUDO

Yakudo is a performing ensemble, which combines the spiritual rhythms of the Taiko drums with martial arts and contemporary music. Founded in 1992, Yakudo is made up of passionate individuals dedicated to the culture and art unique to the Japanese Taiko. Yakudo mesmerizes audiences with its inspired stage performance and style unlike any other Taiko group. It is evident from their shows that playing Taiko is not just drumming. A performance can range from the dark and mysterious to light and upbeat - a visual and musical journey that thrills the senses.

www.yakudo.com | YAKUDO Facebook Group | YAKUDO featured on OMNI

SAMA' (Sacred Arts & Music Alliance)

SAMA' (Sacred Arts and Music Alliance) promotes the belief that music, arts and culture have no boundaries and must be revered. In a world divided by differences, SAMA' uses the magic of music and arts to inspire, creating a sublime meeting of the souls that transcends political transgressions and differences, bringing humanity together under the universal, peaceful and all embracing umbrella of music.
www.samamusic.ca | SAMA' Facebook Group

Njacko Backo (special guest performance)

Njacko was born in Cameroon in 1958 and raised in the hills in a small village called Bazou. He has worked with several well-respected artists and has been a guest artist on more than 15 albums. He has appeared at major festivals including the Hillside Festival, Montréal Jazz Festival and the Houston International Jazz Festival to name a few. In addition, he has worked on music for films including To Walk with Lions, Born Free, Spirit in the Tree and a documentary on Jane Goodall. He has helped to raise funds for various causes/events including Amnesty International, Foster Parents Plan, Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, The Stephen Lewis Foundation, The David Suzuki Foundation, Engineers Without Borders and Music Africa, to name a few.
www.njackobacko.com | Njacko Backo Facebook Group

Ayame Kai Dance Group

Ayame, meaning “Iris”. Today, there are 45 dancers of varying ages between 4 years of age to adults. Its mandate is to promote awareness and respect of Japanese culture through dance. The group instills in their dancers discipline, dedication and a pride in Japanese tradition. The members of the Ayame-Kai dance group are affiliated with the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in Toronto.

The dances they perform are “BUYO” or semi-classical dancing. Some of their performances include the World Curling Championships held in Brandon and Folkorama held in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Ayame-Kai has also performed for such dignitaries as the Crown Prince and Princesses of Japan and the Counsel General of Japan.
view group page

Event Promo Video:

Venue Directions:

Trinity St. Paul Centre for Faith, Justice and the Arts.
427 Bloor Street West,
Toronto, Ontario M5S 1X7

Trinity St. Paul Center is located in the heart of the Annex near Spadina subway station.