A dancer since the age of nine, Jamaica-born Barry Anderson was a master practitioner of Ghanaian dance for over two decades. He was also a key figure in Bristol's live reggae scene during the 1980s. Growing up, his family instilled a love of movement in him, which was further honed at the Bristol’s West Indian Dance Company created by activist-artist Carmen Beckford MBE. Anderson and his sisters, launched the Ekomé National Dance Company or Ekomé Music and Dance Company for young black dancers to train in traditional African, especially Ghanaian arts. Later the company expanded to incorporate more techniques to chart the spirit and energy of what came to be recognised as Black British Dance. As the artistic director, choreographer and lead dancer of Ekomé, the company led by Anderson performed in many prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Sadler’s Wells, The Dominion, Colston Hall, Bristol New and Old Vic, dancing with artists such as Fela Ransome Kuti, Hugh Masekela, Peter Gabriel, and countless international festivals. The company’s Ekomé Arts Band - a ten-piece ensemble worked together with artists from Senegal and South Africa. Anderson has been lauded for his drive to transform the professional dance landscape for Black dancers, and for his motivation to experiment and collaborate with smaller dance companies in the UK.
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