When Diádié Bathily steps onto a stage, he carries West Africa with him. This month, he brings that legacy to the Touhill Performing Arts Center as Afriky Lolo presents Sundiata: The King of Mali, an original work inspired by one of West Africa’s most enduring historical epics.
Performed Friday and Saturday, July 17 and 18, the production marks Afriky Lolo’s 20th Annual Dance Celebration. Presented by UMSL Music, it continues the company’s tradition of sharing the richness and vitality of West African culture through dance, music and storytelling.
Photos courtesy of Afriky Lolo
“This story has lived in the hearts and memories of West African people for centuries,” Bathily said. “As we celebrate 20 years of Afriky Lolo’s African Dance Celebration, I wanted to honor a story that reminds us of the power of resilience, community and cultural identity. Sundiata teaches us that our challenges do not define us, but rather it’s how we rise.”
The production tells the legendary story of Sundiata Keita, founder of the Mali Empire, whose journey from a childhood marked by adversity to becoming one of Africa’s most influential leaders has inspired generations across West Africa. “Every history has its heroes,” Bathily said. “In West Africa, it is Sundiata. He overcame all odds, triumphed over evil and rose to become the Mali Empire’s King of Kings.”
Audiences will journey through villages, kingdoms, sacred landscapes and historic encounters as the story unfolds through movement, rhythm and theatrical spectacle.
The milestone production comes during a landmark year for Bathily, who gained international attention in March after performing the traditional Zaouli dance of Côte d’Ivoire during the live broadcast of the Academy Awards as part of the musical performance from the film Sinners. The appearance introduced millions of viewers to one of West Africa’s most revered dance traditions and highlighted Bathily’s commitment to preserving and sharing authentic cultural traditions.
“This moment is for all African dancers in the USA and Africa who struggle every day and still believe in your dream,” he said. “Please follow your dream – it is your guide.”
Passed down through centuries by griots, musicians and oral historians, Sundiata: The King of Mali follows Sundiata’s rise from a young boy unable to walk to a unifying leader who defeats the sorcerer king Sumanguru Kanté and establishes one of the greatest empires in African history.
Through traditional West African dance, live drumming, music and theatrical storytelling, Afriky Lolo brings this story of perseverance, leadership and destiny to life on stage. Sixty artists are performing in the 20th Anniversary Dance Celebration, including adult, youth and alumni dancers, 10 musicians, three guest artists and five musicians from UMSL’s music department.
Photos courtesy of Afriky Lolo
Founded in 2003, Afriky Lolo has become one of the Midwest’s leading ambassadors of West African dance and culture. What began as something small has grown into a large, vibrant company. Through performances, classes, workshops, school residencies and community programs, Afriky Lolo has introduced thousands of students and audience members to the richness and diversity of West African artistic traditions.
To prepare for Sundiata: The King of Mali, Bathily traveled to Mali to conduct research, gather music and deepen his understanding of the historical and cultural traditions surrounding the story. “Dance is also research,” he said. “I wanted to return to the source, to learn from the people, the music and the history so that audiences can experience the spirit of this story as authentically as possible.”
Drawing from both historical accounts and mythic elements, the production embraces the griot tradition, where history and storytelling intertwine to preserve cultural memory. The result is a visually striking and emotionally resonant performance that invites audiences into a world of prophecy, perseverance and triumph.
Afriky Lolo is a St. Louis-based nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing and celebrating West African dance with local, national and international communities through performances, classes, workshops, educational programs and cultural exchange. Founded by Bathily, the company introduces audiences of all ages to the rich traditions, rhythms and stories of West Africa while fostering cultural understanding through the performing arts.
“For more than 20 years, I’ve taught African dance, bringing it from my birthplace in Ivory Coast, West Africa to St. Louis, the city I now call home,” Bathily said. “This blessed community gave me the platform to carry my vision around the world and transform lives through dance and music.”
He said his gratitude for the St. Louis community cannot be overstated. “I am so thankful to everyone who has stood by me all of these years and believed in what I do,” Bathily said. “Because of you, I can train and prepare the future generations and keep our culture thriving.”
Afriky Lolo’s 20th Anniversary Dance Celebration — Sundiata: The King of Mali 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, July 17–18 Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 Touhill Circle, St. Louis, MO 63121 For tickets and additional information, visit afrikylolo.org.
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
