About Kulu Mele

Kulu Mele carries the torch for culture. Established in Philadelphia in 1969 by Baba Robert Crowder, Kulu Mele is the fruit of many peoples’ dreams, the nation’s longest-enduring African dance company. For 50+ years, Kulu Mele has embodied excellences in West Africa, Cuban and African Diasporan traditions, including contemporary American hip hop.

Kulu Mele performs works from their repertoire year-round, bringing culturally meaningful African dance, drum and culture to communities, schools, programs and festivals throughout Philadelphia and beyond. The company tours nationally and internationally. Locally, Kulu Mele’s Thanksgiving weekend annual show premieres new work by guest artists and Artistic Director Dorothy Wilkie, who has led the company for 35+ years. Staples from the repertoire are also reinterpreted; the company continues to grow and evolve.

“You never stop learning,” is Kulu Mele mantra. Omo Kulu Mele classes for young people introduce basic drum rhythms and dance movements, students (3-18) learning together over a year, culminating in a spring recital. Older children sometimes have the opportunity to perform with the company. Educational residencies, workshops and programs serve thousands annually (including generations of Philadelphia school children). Curriculum materials and resources support and advance learning. Adult classes introduce people of all experience levels to West African and Afro-Cuban movement and rhythm and to African American hip hop. Kulu Mele company members often develop work through intensive study residencies with dancers and musicians steeped in particular cultural traditions.

Our Founder

Kulu Mele carries the torch for culture. Established in Philadelphia in 1969 by Baba Robert Crowder, Kulu Mele is the fruit of many peoples’ dreams, the nation’s longest-enduring African dance company. For 50+ years, Kulu Mele has embodied excellences in West Africa, Cuban and African Diasporan traditions, including contemporary American hip hop.

Kulu Mele performs works from their repertoire year-round, bringing culturally meaningful African dance, drum and culture to communities, schools, programs and festivals throughout Philadelphia and beyond. The company tours nationally and internationally. Locally, Kulu Mele’s Thanksgiving weekend annual show premieres new work by guest artists and Artistic Director Dorothy Wilkie, who has led the company for 35+ years. Staples from the repertoire lder children sometimes have the opportunity to perform with the company. Educational residencies, workshops and programs serve thousands annually (including generations of Philadelphia school children). Curriculum materials and resources support and advance learning. Adult classes introduce people of all experience levels to West African and Afro-Cuban movement and rhythm and to African American hip hop. Kulu Mele company members often develop work through intensive are also reinterpreted; the company continues to grow and evolve.

“You never stop learning,” is Kulu Mele mantra. Omo Kulu Mele classes for young people introduce basic drum rhythms and dance movements, students (3-18) learning together over a year, culminating in a spring recital. Ostudy residencies with dancers and musicians steeped in particular cultural traditions.

“What’s important? Keeping our culture. We just scratched the surface of it.”—John Wilkie

“Kulu Mele is lively and holy at the same time.”—Sonia Sanchez

“Kulu Mele is a Philadelphia treasure.”—Joan Myers Brown

“Kulu Mele is an example of African-centered work with a clear artistic vision of excellence, cultural competency and precision. Kulu Mele represents what is possible for community with focus, perseverance and a deep sense of commitment to ensuring traditions are preserved and shared.”—Ayoka Wiles