History

Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kulu Melehas been a highly regarded cultural institution in the Delaware Valley for nearly 50 years.  Kulu Mele’s performance repertoire features authentic, traditional dance and drumming from West Africa, Cuba and (coming Fall, 2016) Brazil, as well as contemporary American hip hop.  Kulu Mele performs year-round throughout Philadelphia and tours nationally and internationally.  Kulu Mele has performed at some of world’s most prestigious performing arts venues, including the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and the Frank Gehry-designed Disney Hall at The Los Angeles Music Center.  In September, 2015, Kulu Mele performed as part of the official entertainment during the Philadelphia visit of Pope Francis.  Kulu Mele’s extensive arts education program, Omo Kulu Mele, serves thousands of Philadelphia school children annually.  Founded in 1969 by Baba Robert Crowder, Kulu Mele has been led by artistic director Dorothy Wilkie for more than 25 years.