The NoMad Jazz Festival invites audiences into a world where melodies carry entire histories, and rhythm becomes a language of its own. And with Asase Yaa Entertainment Group in the mix, audiences will witness the living expression of African diasporic heritage.
“My goal isn’t to entertain and then exit the stage,” says Co-founder and Executive Director, K. Osei Williams. “I want people to experience the full arc of who we are – from ancient memory to modern rhythm. And to have fun.”
Asase Yaa’s Three-Part Programming for The NoMad Jazz Festival
The ensemble’s three-part performance spans centuries of cultural lineage.
First up, Rhythmic Roots, which weaves a sonic thread from traditional West African drumming to American tap. “We’re mapping a musical heritage that’s traveled across generations and continents,” explains Osei.
Next is Hear My Voice, a fusion of West African oral storytelling and the deep soul of gospel. The performance journeys through spirituals and field songs, all led by a Djeli, a traditional West African storyteller-historian-musician. “When slaves were stripped of their drums, their voices carried the rhythm,” Osei says. Songs became the vessels for truth, pain, and hope. The set culminates in contemporary gospel music, actively engaging the audience through lively call-and-response interactions.
Finally, Afro House Celebration turns the entire experience into a joyful eruption. With pulsing percussion and high-octane dance, the audience becomes part of the show. “This is a shared experience,” Osei says. “We bring the rhythm, and the audience brings it to life.” It climaxes with an inclusive dance circle, fostering community and celebration through communal movement and music.
These sets open doors to the roots that shaped jazz, connecting today’s sounds to centuries of African expression. “Jazz comes from somewhere – it’s shaped by African improvisation, by stories told in rhythm,” says Osei. “We’re adding that dimension to the conversation.”
Asase Yaa’s 25th anniversary marks a bold step forward, celebrating both their legacy and the road ahead. “Every time we perform, it’s a chance to grow, reconnect, and reawaken,” says Osei. “We’re not repeating history – we’re continuing it.”
Don’t miss Asase Yaa performances during the NoMad Jazz Festival in Madison Square Park on August 9. Visit NoMadJazzFestival.com for details and updates. Performances are free and for all ages.