Baba-C TheStorytellingFestival-Morocco TheSequel!
Donation protected
Jambo (Ki-Swahili greeting), my name is Baba-C, a Native Washingtonian, father, mentor, Cultural Arts Ambassador, and Global Griot/Master Storyteller. I was honored to accept the invitation to attend the Premiere Marrakesh International Storytelling Festival this past February 2022. My first international flight was also my first visit to Africa. It was a Life Changing event!
I HAVE BEEN INVITED TO RETURN!!!
I was formally invited to attend the Marrakesh International Storytelling Festival in February 2023! AKA: THE MARAKESH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL - THE SEQUEL!
In addition to the formal invitation, many of my fellow Global Tellers, Moroccan friends, and "family" have requested my return. "It won't be the same without you." Mike W.
Many of you reading this contributed generously to my previous GoFundMe campaign. Without your support, the Journey would not have been possible. I trust I can count on your continued support, as well as the support of new donors, family, friends, and fellow artists. A special shout-out to the Ann Nonymus family! Asante Sana (Thank you very much)! Your generosity was deeply appreciated. You are proof that angels walk among us.
Donations, big and not so big, are welcomed. Your kind donations will assist with transportation, accommodations, food, video gear (GoPro?), vaccinations, the myriad of unexpected "stuff" necessary to purchase in advance, and miscellaneous.
One of twenty Global Tellers gathered from the four corners of the round Globe we call Earth; I had the honor of representing Washington, DC & sharing the rich oral traditions of the United States from an African American perspective. Before departing, I half-jokingly said, "Marrakesh & I will never be the same." Truer words were never spoken. I fell in Love with Marrakesh and visa versa. The people, the food, and the accommodations were beautiful, and then some. The Star Riad (Think B&B) I stayed in was once the home of Josephine Baker. If you don't know who she was, please google her.
Moroccan News Media interviewed me (I've included a few links below); I was on the front page of the Financial Times & mentioned in National Geographic! National Geographic UK states,
"The travelling storyteller Baba C opens the International Storytelling Festival in Jemaa el-Fnaa."
I'm unsure if I opened the Festival, but I know my presence was felt. "Baba-C! Baba-C! Baba-C!" was chanted several times when I arrived at performance venues or walked through the Medina. The people of Marrakech and Morocco, in general, greeted me with open arms, soulful smiles, and the Moroccan equivalent of "South Hospitality." In addition to meeting other Global Tellers from around the world, I also met some of the local Master Tellers. Stories were told in English and various mother tongues. The exchange, "borrowing" of stories, techniques and cultures constantly demonstrated that we have more in common than differences. Storytelling is a Universal Force. There is "Power in the Telling." Baba-C
Don't get me started about the food! Soul Food/Southern Cuisine has long been reputed to have its rich origins in Africa. It's true! The food was delicious! Ironically I lost weight despite eating well, very well. I attribute that to fresh market ingredients. I can't wait to return for:
Baba-C @ The Marrakech International Storytelling Festival-Morocco, February 2023 - The Sequel!
Asante sana (Thank you very much) in advance.
Sincerely,
Baba-C
https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel/2022/07/how-a-new-generation-is-reviving-hikayat-moroccos-ancient-storytelling-tradition
Organizer
Lorenzo Augusta Calender II
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC