African rhythms rock College of Lake County

People walking past the auditorium couldn't help but poke their head in the door. The chest-pounding, wall-shaking bass beats flying out of the room were magnetic.

Sponsored by the Multicultural Student Center as part of Black History Month, the Jabali Afrika group pounded a variety of traditional African rhythms during a noontime performance at the College of Lake County on Wednesday.

Band leader Justo Asikoye says the ancient music from Kenya is the root of many American genres.

"This music forms the basis for blues, jazz and rock and roll," Asikoye said. "It's one culture borrowing from another."

To say the performance was interactive would be an understatement. At least a dozen students and teachers found themselves on stage gyrating to the drum beats and clanging cowbells after being coaxed by Asikoye.

Student Jeff Langley of Zion said he didn't imagine he would become part of the act.

"It wasn't something I planned on," he said. "It's something you just get caught up in. You can't just sit there and listen."

The six-person ensemble plays an eclectic variety of instruments, including African drums known as djembes and ma bumbumbus, Latin conga drums, cowbells, and a kayamba, which is a type of shaker.

The Maryland-based group formed 16 years ago and performs nationwide and also overseas. It was a featured part of President Barack Obama's inaugural celebrations last month.

Asikoye says the music is more than entertainment.

"There are positive messages in each of our songs," he said. "There is a long tradition in Africa to weave stories that teach moral lessons into the music."

Student Vanity May of Zion said the performance was invigorating.

"This was wonderful," she said. "The music was so great, and what a great way to break up the day."