Seven years ago, thirteen children were joined as the Three Rivers Jenbé Ensemble. Timid, culturally ill-informed, and every one lacking in personal self-esteem, today the ensemble those children founded prides itself on an assurance of the value of their collective work and self-worth. Responsible, confident, and knowledgeable, these young people use a traditional Afrikan music, dance and song to demonstrate how cultural unity can lift self concept, strengthen family ties and build community. For the children, Afrika has become more than an intellectual oddity for pitying emotional response; it is a place where real people are engaged in a valued cultural experience. 
And they had that experience — in December of 2006, they traveled to Guinea to meet, live with, and become immersed in West Afrikan culture and music. Not only did they make friends, they became family, and brought back with them a new perspective, new musical techniques, and a new appreciation for just how vast and varied people can be.
Through the Three Rivers Jenbé Ensemble, its children and elders have built an artistic bridge from Fort Wayne to the Malinké people of Guinea, West Afrika.
Check out our photo page for more pictures from the TRJE’s Afrika Bound initiative.
