Toby Foyeh and Orchestra Africa bringing “Afrijam music” to Berea College Nov. 12

Foyeh began to blend African and American music styles as a boy, performing in school bands in Ibadan and Lagos, Nigeria.  Since then, all of the bands he has worked with have kept the same basic mission of fusing together African music with elements of other musical genres and cultures.  After immigrating to the United States he attended both Berklee College of Music in Boston and Washington D.C.’s Howard University.  Foyeh primarily taught himself how to play the guitar, flute, and a number of African drums.  A couple of the traditional African instruments that he uses are the Bata Drums, the Kalimba (thumb piano), and Gangan (talking drum).

When Foyeh isn’t performing or working on his own album, he is often co-producing or composing for other musicians.  His three released albums are Here I come, Jalolo, and Lagos—Ilu Eko.  Foyeh and Orchestra Africa have performed throughout the world, including the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan in 2006, Toronto Jazz Festival, and numerous colleges and universities in both the U.S. and the United Kingdom.  The band has been featured on BET Jazz Scene and FOX Early Morning News.

The Stephenson Concert Memorial series, part of Berea’s Convocations program, was established by the family of the late John B. Stephenson, former president of Berea College, and his sister Nancy Anne Stephenson.  The concerts bring outstanding musical performances to Berea College for the enrichment of all, free of charge.  For a complete listing of all Berea College Convocations for the 2009-2010 year, visit www.berea.edu/convocations