Africussion To Represent Africa At A Global Conference In New York

New York based African cultural exponents, AFRICUSSION International under the leadership of a Ghanaian versatile performing artiste and an educator, Harold Akyeampong have been selected to represent Africa in a special dinner hosted for the INTERFERRY Inc during its 35th annual conference in New York City.

If you are wondering what INTERFERRY is and means. Here is what they have in their owns words on their website:

"Interferry is the only shipping association representing the ferry industry world-wide. There are currently 220 members (representing approximately 500 individuals) from 33 countries.

Interferry was originally formed in 1976 as the International Marine Transit Association in order to:

•Research and collect information on developments within and affecting the ferry industry

•Exchange information and technical data through an international network of members

•Stimulate industry cooperation and advancement by providing a forum for people to share experiences and learn from others

In addition to facilitating networking amongst its members, Interferry represents the industry regarding regulatory matters. To fulfill this role Interferry has attained Consultative Status at the International Maritime Organization and Observer Status at the European Community Shipowners Association.

Over the past three decades networking within the industry has been facilitated by the Annual Interferry Conference. The conference has been held in many different areas of the world, including the following sites of recent and future conferences:

•Venice, Italy – 2000
•Seattle, USA – 2001
•Brisbane, Australia – 2002
•Rotterdam, Netherlands – 2003
•Freeport, Bahamas – 2004
•Athens, Greece – 2005
•Long Beach, USA – 2006
•Stockholm, Sweden – 2007
•Hong Kong, China – 2008
•Istanbul, Turkey – 2009
Interferry supports the following principles:
•Safety of passengers, crew, cargo and ships; adherence to safety regulations;

•Free, fair and open competition;
•Fair and equitable shipping regulations, consistently applied; and

•Protection of the natural environment; adherence to environmental regulations."

On the other hand, AFRICUSSION is the multicultural music group of the Centre for World Folkloric Arts and the resident band of the International Center for African Culture & Arts, USA. With a name derived from “Africa, Percussion, and Discussion,” AFRICUSSION uses live performance and teaching programs as a foundation for community dialogue, promoting diversity, respect, and unity through music.

Africussion will perform its explosive percussive music which has earned them rave reviews over the years. With master performers led by Okyerema Daasebre Adansi-Prekese Akyampong,the group will also feature master drummers from African Diaspora including Opare Agyeman of Ghana, Kenny Anderson of USA,Bro. Wakili of Tanzania, Bro. Eric Fongo of Tanzania,Sister Jemima Asante of USA and one of the best female drummers in the USA, Courtnee Roze.

According to OKyerema Akyampong, he said the group is living no stone unturned in its efforts to give the participants of the conference and the Dinner the best in global world music. He also said that the program is strictly by invitation only.