The YELI Ensemble is named after the word 'Yeli', also called Djeli or Griot in French. A Yeli is a 'living archive' of West African people's traditions. It is someone who has learned their artform from the youngest age, initially from their parents and then from their community and different masters of the art form.

Ibrahima Dioubate and Mohamed Cisse both come from the Yeli tradition. Ibrahima was born into it as a Dioubate. Mohamed was initiated into it through his father. They are both masters of their craft and celebrated internationally for sharing the rich and amazing culture of Guinea Conakry, a culture which dates back as far as the Mali Empire. Ibrahima is a djembefola, specializing in the solo instrument the djembe, the 'star' of West African percussions. Mohamed excels in Guinea dance although he also plays several instruments. Together they give us a real taste of this incredibly dynamic and rich culture.

M’Power Rhythm, brainchild of master veteran drummer Tripp Bratton and educator Leslie Stamatis, is all about youth empowerment, building community, and honoring culture through ensemble African drumming. A Lexington-based performing arts nonprofit, M’Power Rhythm works with youth ages 8 to 18 from diverse backgrounds with an emphasis on making programs accessible to under-resourced youth.

Participants receive a comprehensive introduction to rhythm, improvisation, and music theory in an immersive group environment – while learning the cultural origins of the rhythms they are practicing. The M’Power Rhythm All-Stars is the organization’s performing ensemble which showcases student drummers’ accomplishments and puts joyful noise out into the world!

Yapa is a musical journey inspired by many rich cultures. From indigenous melodies of the Andes Mountains to the traditional and popular dance musics of the world, Yapa always brings a little "extra gift" for your ears...and your heart!

Yapa! features musicians from Ecuador, El Salvador, Canary Islands, and the US.

Yapa! members: Fernando Moya, Angela Scharfenberger, Caleb Leiva, Gregory Acker, Beatriz Perez, Joe Watts, with special guests Blakeley Burger, Ivo Farigra Proano