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Angie Amra Anderson is a pioneering artists specialising in her chosen subject, African arts. A dancer, choreographer, percussionist and storyteller, she broke new ground in performing African arts in the UK.

Born 15th January 1963, she is the eighth of nine children. Her parents Thelma and Newton Anderson came from Jamaica, West Indies in 1961 and settled in St. Pauls, Bristol, UK. Her father use to perform folk dances and sang before he came to England at the notable Liberty Hall in Jamaica, West Indies. He actively encouraged his children to perform informal at home. At the tender age of 10, Angie followed the other members of her family and joined the Bristol West Indian Dance Co, led by Carmen Beckford O.B.E. and Terry Romaine. The dance company performed traditional dances with a fusion of contemporary dance.

After two years, she left and joined a London based group called `Steel `n' Skin who presented regional workshops in African dance and drumming. They were so impressed with the Anderson dancers and other Bristol dancers, that after two rehearsals, she was invited alongside other members to join the company. Steel `n' Skin, mixed traditional Ghanaian music and dance with music from the Caribbean, especially the Steel pan. Their repertoire was a blend of Calypso and African interlocking rhythms with traditional dances. The Anderson's added Limbo to their repertoire and the group performed nationally. By the age of 14, Angie toured internationally to Belgium, Germany and Tunisia with the group.

In 1976, the Bristol members formed their own company, EKOME NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY with over 20 other members from Bristol. Their first performance was joined by two members from Steel `n' Skin, master drummer Emmanuel Tagoe and dancer Ben Baddoo. Hammersmith Palais witness the evolution of Ekome from a local group, to a slick team of professionals.

Ekome National Dance Company was featured on local TV everywhere the performed in the UK. From their first appearance on national TV, Ekome was recognised as a group of significance. Angie continued to learn the traditional Ghanaian dances and became principal female dancer after 5 years. From a very early age, Angie was responsible for conducting workshops in schools, youth centres and local art centres. Her reputation grew as a charismatic teacher. She simultaneously learned African drumming as the dances were taught utilising the traditional methods of `drum language'.

In 1983, Angie alongside her brother Barrington journeyed to Ghana to extend their knowledge of Ghanaian dance and music. The trip gave her a valuable insight into the teaching techniques and the social context of the artform. She studied at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana,Legon where she trained with members of the National Dance Ensemble and did extensive field research. In Kumasi, she learnt the Ashanti dances such as Kete and Adwoa, in the Volta region she continued her studies in Ewe genres such as Astia Abekor wardances and music and in Accra she trained in the popular styles of Kpanlogo, a blend of Highlife dances and traditional music. Her final performance was attended by national dignitries, including the founder of the Ghana Dance Ensemble, Professor Opoku and Sarah Lamptey. Wulomei, the first African arts band to add electric instruments performed at their leaving party and later came the musical director, Nii Ashitey came to the UK to composed Ekome's first album.

She returned to the UK, imparting her knowledge to innumerable records of students and performed to large scale theatres throughout the UK and abroad. Ekome National Dance Company was the first African Dance group to represent England in international festivals, including the International Folk Festival in Cork, Ireland. In 1984, Ekome was voted Best Dance Company by Time Out Magazine, 80,000 people voted for them, leaving Ballet Rambert 2nd and the London Contemporary Dance team, 3rd. In addition, they received the City Limits Award for Best Dance Act. Other awards included The Black Dance Development Award and for Contribution to African arts in the UK, they received an award delivered at Buckingham Palace by HRH Prince Charles. A full length documentary on the groups rise to fame was broadcast on the Melvin Braggs SouthBank Show. They later performed as support act with international artists such as the infamous Fela Kuti and the great Zairean guitarist, Franco. TV appearances included The Patti Boulaye Show, Ebony, Highway, The Old Grey Whistle Test, Only Fools & Horses, Bacchannal and a Film for BBC television `A Sailor's Return'

Ekome records of performances is unfathomable today. They performed three performances a day during the Summer months, graduated to the mainstage at Glastonbury CND Festival, three special performances at The Royal Albert Hall and many, many more. They also performed and recorded with Peter Gabriel at the WOMAD Festival in 1984. Ekome was awarded the Community Programme Award to train new dancers and techicians in African Performance Art and Touring. 48 members, including costume designers, graphic artists and even a chef on tour. From their humble beginnings in St. Pauls, Bristol, they were the UK's best dance company and reinstated a sense of cultural heritage and success amongst the African and Caribbean communities.