June 19, 2025
NoMad Becomes a Living Stage of Culture and Celebration with Asase Yaa
The NoMad Jazz Festival transforms Madison Square Park into a celebration of rhythm and shared cultures August 9 and 10. On Saturday, August 9, part of that heartbeat pulses from Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation, bringing three dynamic, family-friendly performances designed to connect, uplift, and energize.
Kofi Osei Williams, Executive Director and co-founder of Asase Yaa, lays it out: “This is a journey in motion – history you can hear, feel, and move through.”
The performances begins with Rhythmic Roots, a lively dialogue between traditional African drumming and tap dance.
Then, Hear My Voice traces the emotional arc of blues and gospel from West African oral storytelling, culminating in contemporary gospel music that actively engages the audience through lively call-and-response.
The final set, Afro House Celebration, turns the park into a living dance floor.
“We want people to be part of this, not sit on the sidelines,” says Osei. “Let’s move together, feel the energy, and celebrate what connects us.”
Asase Yaa’s legacy extends far beyond the stage. Their school, outreach programs, summer arts camps, and artist mentorships have shaped generations over 25 years. “We’ve always believed in passing down what we know,” says Osei.
Their influence has reached global stages, but they remain rooted in the communities they serve. “Theater is one home for this work – but so is the park, the block, the school gym,” Osei says. “Any place where people gather with open hearts – that’s where it belongs.”
For their 25th anniversary, Asase Yaa’s three featured performances are invitations to the audience. Each one is designed to welcome, to awaken, and to connect.
“Bring your kids. Bring your elders. Bring your neighbors,” says Osei. “What we’re creating in NoMad on August 9 is a gathering rooted in joy, connection, and community,”
Don’t miss Asase Yaa’s performances during the NoMad Jazz Festival in Madison Square Park on August 9. Visit NoMadJazzFestival.com for details and updates. Performances are free and for all ages.