Born in Mutare, Zimbabwe and based in NYC, nora chipaumire has been challenging and embracing stereotypes of Africa and the black performing body, art and aesthetics since she started making dances in 1998. She is currently touring #PUNK 100%POP *NIGGA (verbalized as hash tag punk, one hundred percent pop, star nigga), a three-part live performance album. On 25 January 2020 nora will present a lecture-performance version of 100% POP at Fari Foni Waati in Bamako, Mali.

In addition to performing at the 4th edition of the West African dance festival, nora has been invited to lead a dance laboratory from 6-24 January with a group of African dancers and choreograph an original new work, which will be performed during the FFW#4 Festival on 25-26 January.

DJ Atiyyah Khan (Cape Town), dancer McIntosh Jeharun (Harare) of Jerahuni Movement Factory and sound technician Antek Mantorski from nora chipaumire’s company are also being supported to attend FFW#4.

ABOUT FARI FONI WAATI

Fari Foni Waati is dedicated to generating original works and performances in Mali;  promoting artistic emergence through dialogue and exchange with international artists.

Each year, FFW invites three international choreographers to make a short piece with dancers living on the African continent. The FFW happens in three stages: first, two days of group workshops.Each choreographer leads a workshop for the whole group. At the end of the second day the choreographers split the group in three. Next starts the laboratory and making process. For two and a half weeks, the guest choreographers are invited to make an original piece with the dancers they have chosen from the group. Last but not least is the festival. During a weekend of performances each original piece is performed in front of a broad audience along with pieces from the choreographer’s repertoires and other invited guests. Performances happen indoors and outdoors, in and around the BlonBa Theater, presenting various pieces and “styles” to a large audience. The FFW brings internationally renowned and currently touring pieces to a Malian audience.