African Chorus Programs

The African Musical Arts, Inc. (AMAInc), formerly African Chorus, was founded to foster a better understanding of Africa’s cultures through the musical arts. What began shortly before 1994 as a mission to showcase African choral composers through a small performing ensemble has expanded to a commitment to meet a larger audience desirous of new modes of artistic expression, entertainment and cross-cultural enrichment. Thus, African Musical Arts, Inc comfortably assumed the niche to present African-descent composers of choral music - both traditional and contemporary, as well as disciplined art (or classical) chamber music and orchestra works that collectively portray the rich diversity of Africa's musical arts and cultures. African Musical Arts, Inc serves the public through the following program components:

SEASON CONCERTS & TOURING PROGRAM: To present concerts that showcase diverse music and cultural traditions from Africa. Touring groups from Africa scheduled every season

OUTLOUD: This is a community partnership with various schools and colleges for students and teachers to attend concerts or participate in African Chorus activities.

AFRICAN MUSIC FOR COMMUNITY HEALING: programs presented to residents at nursing homes and other assisted-living facilities.

AFRICAN CHORAL MUSIC WORKSHOPS: This internationally acclaimed program now boasts of a second full-time instructor - Ablawa Reine, the very charming songstress from Benin Republic. Ms. Ablawa Reine also doubles as African Musical Arts, Inc Cultural Exchange Consultant. Dr. Anicet Mundundu joins us this season as full-time instructor. The workshops are scheduled in schools and at other community centers.

VOICE OF AFRICAN MUSIC NEWSLETTER: Quarterly issues will be mailed to over 12,000 subscribers in the Greater St. Louis area. As with previous issues, over 100,000 readers will access the online version of this newsletter.

SYMPOSIA AND MUSIC FESTIVALS: Organized annually in partnership with educational institutions and other organizations across the United States and beyond, these gatherings bring scholars, artists and audiences together for a long weekend of art music by African-descent composers.

"The St. Louis African Chorus [African Musical Arts, Inc] and its dynamic founder and director, Fred Onovwerosuoke, have rapidly earned and gained stature and appreciation locally and nationally. The increasing performance and educational schedule of the group demand our attention." - Robert Nordman, Music Supervisor, St. Louis Public Schools

"I truly commend [Fred's] perspective ... to expose people to a variety of styles..."
- Professor J. H. Kwabena Nketia, world-renowned ethnomusicologist, composer, and authority on African music.