Award-Winning Ivory Coast Singer at Kahilu Theatre

Dobet Gnahoré. Nicolas Baret photo.

Kahilu Theatre will present Grammy-Award winning world music artist Dobet Gnahoré on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m.

This singer, dancer, and percussionist has garnered a reputation as one of the most vibrant performers in today’s world music scene.

Hailed by critics as Africa’s leading star on the rise, her extraordinary talents position her to set the course for the genre.

As a child, Gnahoré was trained in the music and dance traditions of the “Bété“ tradition by her father, a well-known performer in West Africa.

On stage, her voice, dancing, charisma and huge presence bring audiences to their feet around the world. Dobet sings in a range of African languages including Bété, Fon, Baoule, Lingala, Malinke, Mina or Bambara, thereby reproducing the Pan-African tradition of the Ki Yi Mbock group. As a result of dedicated training in the disciplines of theater and dance, she has cultivated a magnificent stage presence that electrifies audiences around the world.

“Take the energy of Lauryn Hill, the consciousness of India.Arie and the mystique of Erykah Badu and you got Dobet Gnahoré.”—St. Louis American Newspaper

“One thing that strikes me when watching Ms. Gnahoré’s performances is the strength of her stage presence—physically, emotionally and musically,” said Danny Waddell, Kahilu Theatre marketing manager. “When the lights go down and she walks onto the stage, her light shines very brightly. I think she is going to light up the Kahilu Theatre stage on the 25th.”

Doors open at 6 p.m. Beverages and snacks will be available for sale at the Kahilu Theatre bar.

Tickets are $68, $58, $48 and $20, available for purchase online at www.kahilutheatre.org, by calling (808) 885-6868, or at the Kahilu Theatre Box Office at 67-1186 Lindsey Road in Kamuela Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1p.m.

This performance is made possible by sponsorship by Mimi & Brian Kerley, Nancy Lematta, Puakea Ranch, Beth Thoma Robinson, Ric & Dao Rocker and Mauna Kea Beach Resort.