This year, the annual benefit for The Earth Center of Maanu was held in the large auditorium in the west wing of the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. This benefit is held to raise funds for students of the Earth Center who would not otherwise be able to afford to go on the spiritual pilgrimage to Merita (traditional Africa) that is held each year.

The night started out with the comedy of Meechi. Meechi was dealing with a tough audience this night. He really had to work his material in order to find a selection of jokes that fit with an audience that is very serious about traditional African Spirituality. After a while, he found his own sweet spot and the audience began to warm to his ministrations.

As Meechi began his routine, we saw on the right hand side of the stage a tall young man dressed in traditional clothing working on a painting of Kemetic design. Meechi walked over and introduced us to Marrwho Hasati, a third generation M’TAM initiate and professional artist. He would continue to work on his painting for the full performance. I am personally very familiar with Marrwho’s work, since he is responsible for most of the major works of art that are on display in the Earth Center Chicago.

The first musical act featured the music of Robert “Baabe” Irving. Robert Irving is one of the most well known Jazz figures in Chicago. He has produced numerous albums and was the music director for Miles Davis. As the story has been told to me, it was Baabe Irving who first invited Master Naba to come to Chicago.

This was my first experience of Baabe Irving live. His ensemble featured himself on piano a base player and drummer to round out the rhythm section. He also featured a saxophonist. His music stirred the soul, but for me, the best part of his performance was when he invited the vocalist Senabella to join the band and blend her lovely voice with the rest of the ensemble. She started with a song that she explained was the song that she performed when she first met Master Naba.

Next group was the popular up and coming R&B collaboration between Khari Lemuel and Yaw. This group has toured extensively in the US, performed for Oprah Winfrey. Khari Lemuel is a multi-talented artist. He plays several instruments including the cello and flute. He is also a talented vocalist. Yaw is a talented vocalist as well, and for this performance, the two of them shared the stage presenting their vocal talents, but it was clear the Khari Lemuel was in full command of the performance as he directed the other performers in each selection. One of the highlights of the group was the guitarist. Each original composition featured solos by this guitarist who showed both his skill and versatility.

There was an intermission following these first two acts where the audience was able to explore some of the booths located outside the auditorium. Within the west wing of the museum, attendees were treated to vendors of traditional and modern African art, custom made jewelry, customized skin care products and several other booths.

The second half of the show started with an exciting fire dance by Zemhepi Hasati. It was a wonder to see her dancing with fire and I must admit a little frightening as the flames seemed to come so close to her elaborate Kemetic costume.

The Najwa Dance Corps followed with three traditional dance pieces accompanied by a traditional drum ensemble of djembe and dundun players. The beauty of traditional African dance by the women and girls brought a remembrance of my first pilgrimage to Africa and the dancing on the rooftop in Segou in Mali.

The final performance of the night was the premier performance of The Exodus Army. The spiritual leader of The Earth Center, Bikbaye Inejnema took the stage surrounded by M’TAM students executing the various aspects of Ablution, Chanting, and Ka’At Ibi, which includes Kemetic Meditation exercises from which traditions such as Tai-Chi and Yoga evolved.

The first piece, entitled “Exodus Army” spoke of the return of the children of Kemetic culture to free our people from the enslavement and misinformation of the invading Roman armies during the conquest of the invincible city of Sybaris. This metaphor for the work of The Earth Center set the stage for the next two pieces, “This is what they didn’t teach us” and “Dialog of the Energies”. In the last piece, even the audience became involved in chanting the name of divine beings and channeling the energies of the Earth and the Stars.

This, the second annual benefit concert given by The Earth Center provided a unique experience of culture, music, and spirituality that was not to be missed, but the main purpose of this benefit was to raise funds for the annual pilgrimage to Merita (traditional Africa) for the M’TAM students. Students of the M’TAM have a spiritual obligation to travel to Merita and make offerings at specific shrines each year. It is still possible to make contributions to this cause. If you wish to contribute, please call The Earth Center at 773-285-0677 or visit theearthcenter.com