The University of Pennsylvania’s Museum of Anthropology and Archeology continues its foray into the discovery and discussion of Africa and its cultures with tomorrow’s “Voices of Africa” event.

The event, coming on the heels of last Saturday’s successful “Imagine Africa” program, will feature performances and workshops given by the Voices of Africa ensemble, a group that seamlessly blends a cappella harmonies with traditional African drumming and dance.

“It’s going to be pure fun, entertainment and educational,” said UPenn Museum spokeswoman Jean Byrne. “This group is terrific; it’s predominantly female, which is very rare for these types of groups.

“They’ll be doing concerts and then workshops, to get everybody revved up and excited through dancing, drumming and singing,” Byrne continued. “It’s not your standard sit down and watch event; people can choose if they want to be involved.”

It’s that sort of kinetic energy that Voices of Africa has become known for, but to hear the ensemble founder tell it, Voices of Africa is simply a conduit through which the vibe flows to the masses.

“In traditional African society, everyone actively participates in the making of music,” said Nana Baakan, who also serves as the ensemble’s managing director. “It’s not just entertainment, but interaction between musician and community.”

Voices of Africa will perform music and play instruments found in West Africa and beyond; they include the skara — a shallow, hand-held drum; the sekere — a beaded gourd drum; the agogo — double headed metal balls; the djembe

a skin-covered drum and the Sangba — a circular drum played with a stick.

“The ensemble will take different countries in Africa and perform stories on them. From Ghana to the Ivory Coast, and it’s in this kind of context that you learn about Africa,” Byrne said. “They are based in West Philadelphia, but they hardly ever have a chance to come together as a group and perform.

“It’s a rare opportunity to see their power.”

Rotunda Director Gina Renzi will curate this event, which begins at 6 p.m. at Upenn’s Museum, 3260 South St; organizers are requesting a $10 donation for adults and $6 for youth 17 and under.

“We’re going to have this in our Africa gallery, surrounded by powerful images and artifacts,” Byrne said. “The ensemble is going to get you involved, and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Contact staff writer Damon C. Williams at (215) 893-5745 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .