Njacko Backo

Performance

Njacko Backo

percussionist, singer, storyteller, dancer, choreographer

Njacko Backo has been performing for children and adults since his childhood in Cameroon. His work has taken him to Holland, Montreal and now Toronto. Njacko's prime instruments are kalimba and drum. He has a lifetime of practice in capturing the subtlety of dance and storytelling with his music - an essential part of the African performing arts. His programs for children draw on parallels and differences between Canadian and African family life. Njacko has performed with culturally diverse groups of artists and has composed, recorded and performed with his own Kalimba! Kalimba! His most recent works include The Spirit of Toumkak Drums Vol 1 & 2, all about learning how to drum.

study guide

African Voyages Africains
aussi en français

1-8

Njacko shares the music, stories and dances of Cameroon, his West Africa homeland. Students play percussion instruments, experiencing traditional West African dance and singing responses.

Workshops

Let's Dance for Life!
aussi en français
K-8

Njacko ramps up daily physical education and dance programs by incorporating traditional African choreography, chants and rhythms in a safe, fun and simple dance repertoire. In keeping with tradition, older students are encouraged to assist younger students deepening their sense of community. Available for a single visit as well as a residency including student showcase.

Kalimba Orchestra
5 day African Music Workshop aussi en français
4-8

Master kalimba player Njacko Backo introduces students to this African thumb piano, a traditional instrument played in virtually every country in Africa, while they sing African songs in both English and French. Students gain an appreciation of the unique frequencies and interlocking rhythms of African music, discover the underlying mathematical patterns within the rhythms as they learn to keep time, while they come to understand the importance of community and cooperation within African culture.

Toum Kak, Chaa Chaa, Keeuk
Drums, Maracas, Bells aussi en français
K-8

Within a West African context, Njacko and students create percussion instruments from found objects while they learn the basic elements of music, including rhythm and beat.

We Are One With The Drum
5 day African Music Workshop aussi en français
K-8

Playing percussion instruments made from everyday objects, Njacko and students create an ensemble showcasing a number of African songs and dance steps, and, in keeping with the African oral tradition, Njacko shares a story that is integral to the music. Percussion instruments include hand and bass drums, gong, maracas, cowbell and balliphone.

Teacher Education

Toum Kak, Chaa Chaa, Keeuk
Drums, Maracas, Bells aussi en français
Primary/Junior/Intermediate

Using music, story and dance to address the value of diverse cultural traditions and the process of building community in the classroom, Njacko facilitates learning in the building of instruments from found objects and how to play them!