The "Danish Association for Promotion of African Music, Drama & Art"
- DAPAMDA was established in 1991 as a volunteer association without any funds. Though established already in 1989, the organization only began to come into life when we started publishing the African cultural magazine named Djembe.

In the beginning, we were based in a room in a member's apartment where we produced the first issues of the magazine. We knew about journalism and photography, but nothing about magazine production, layout or printing. We learned... the hard way.

We have also been doing booking and arranging concerts, for instance we arranged a concert with Youssou N'Dour in september 1993.


The driving force in DAPAMDA is still the enthusiasm for African culture - and just like in the beginning, we all work on a volunteer basis. This somehow sets a limit to how far we can go in terms of technical quality of our products, but we feel we are doing something worthwhile, we have an audience, good feedback, a busy fax, a full mailbox and an exciting office which is jumping.

As Djembe magazine came into life, the organization behind it grew as well. DAPAMDA grew from the original five members to several hundred. The organization's main purpose is to inform and teach about, promote and create understanding for African culture in Denmark. We call it "Denmarks African cultural association".

DAPAMDA is a non-profit organization, mainly focusing its energy on single projects. Someone comes up with an idea; others help to carry it out. Geographically, DAPAMDA covers all of Denmark, and we also have some members in Sweden and Norway. The members of DAPAMDA are both Europeans and Africans who share an interest in the African culture. One years membership costs DKK 125 (Danish kroner) which is approximately US$ 25 - in Denmark. Outside Denmark, the membership costs DKK 250 which is approximately US$ 40. The fees include a one year subscription to Djembe Magazine.

The current Chairman of DAPAMDA is Mr. Ossango Braüner from April 2002

Among DAPAMDA's activities can be mentioned, apart from the publishing of Djembe magazine:

Organizing a concert with Youssou N'Dour on May 31 at Montmartre in Copenhagen.

Arranging a one month "Festival of African Culture" with lectures, exhibitions, bazar and concerts during all of October.

  • Presenting lectures and slide shows for schools and organizations. DAPAMDA has produced two slide shows: "Music of Africa" - about the different music concepts from 20 different African countries - and "My African City" - about the medias and artists in Lagos, Nigeria.

    DAPAMDA also promotes several orchestras and performers.
    Publishing poster, press releases, CD-covers, pamphlets, PR-material, etc.
    Exchange of relevant information about - and between - the members, especially concerning African travel issues.

    Maintaing a library of books, magazines and newsletters from Africa as well as Danish organizations working with African affairs.

    Through the magazine Djembe, DAPAMDA coordinates work and activities of different existing organizations in Denmark which are involved and with cultural exchange between Africa and Denmark.
    Also financially, DAPAMDA supports and promotes the cultural exchange. By arranging concerts and applying for funds in Denmark, the association has managed to create an alternative kind of cultural exchange between Scandinavians and Africans.

    On longer terms, DAPAMDA hopes to be able to extend its activities to Africa. DAPAMDA's goal in Africa is to record and distribute music by unknown musicians who play their own original compositions. There are many excellent artists who have never had a decent opportunity to have their music distributed or recognized - because it is not regarded commercial enough to be invited indoor by the professional studios in Africa.

    Also, we have established a data base with information about orchestras, dance and theatre groups, artists and organizations that are based Danmark. Through Internet, we hope to extend this activity.

    Since the beginning of 1997 we have been showing an African film the first wednesday of every month at Nørre Allé community center in Copenhagen. It is open to the public free of charge.
    One of such films had been The theft of African civilization a video lecture by Dr. Maulana.

    FOCUS AT CULTURAL AFRICA

    On the 28th November 1998, DAPAMDA in co-operation with South Africa Kontakt, organized the conference "Communicating Cultural Africa" at Copenhagen University. We invited 11 journalists from 10 countries in Africa for a week long seminar ending with a conference. "Communicating Cultural Africa" was an exchange of cultural knowledge, ideas and experience between journalists and artists and Danes interested in African culture. Dapamda member Matt Hunter reports about the conference in Djembe no. 27 titled: Voices of change.

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    last updated October 26, 2002