Obo Addy Legacy Project Collection, 1970-2018

By Finding aid prepared by Michael Dicianna and Charles Martin, with additions made by Alexus Austin and Natalia Fernández.

Collection Overview

Title: Obo Addy Legacy Project Collection, 1970-2018

Predominant Dates: 1980-2018

ID: MSS Addy

Primary Creator: Addy, Obo

Extent: 19.35 cubic feet. More info below.

Arrangement:

The Obo Addy Legacy Project Collection is arranged in 4 subgroups: Subgroup 1. Obo Addy Materials, 1970-2018; Subgroup 2. Homowo African Arts and Cultures Materials, 1980-2011; and Subgroup 3. Obo Addy and Homowo Media, 1980-2008. 4. Obo Addy Legacy Project, 2012-2018.

Subgroup 1 (Obo Addy Materials) consists of 4 series: 1. Promotions and Publicity, 1971-2018; 2. Teaching and Educational Endeavors, 1993-2008; 3. Photographs, 1982-2009; and 4. Subject Files, 1970-2005.

Subgroup 2 (Homowo African Arts and Cultures Materials) consists of 6 series: 1. Administration, 1993-2011; 2. Grants, 1996-2008; 3. Homowo Festival, 1990-2011; 4. Immigration Files, 1980-2006; 5. Outreach and Education, 1999-2007; and 6. Performance Materials, 1980-2011.

Subgroup 3 (Obo Addy and Homowo Media) consists of 4 series: 1. Video Presentations, 1990-2005; 2. Compact Discs and DVDs, 1994-2008; 3. Professional/Studio Format Media, 1980-1994; and 4. Photographs - Unsorted, circa 1986 - circa 2000.

Subgroup 4 (Obo Addy Legacy Project Materials) consists of 3 series: 1. Promotions and Publicity, 2013-2018; 2. Teaching and Educational Endeavors, 2012-2018; 3. Administrative Materials, 2012-2018.

Languages of Materials: English [eng]

Abstract

The Obo Addy Legacy Project Collection consists of records, promotional materials, and various forms of media related to the Homowo African Arts and Cultures organization, later known as the Obo Addy Legacy Project. Obo Addy's personal materials include correspondence, promotional materials, and photographs. Obo Addy, a master drummer at the age of six, established the Homowo African Arts and Cultures organization with his wife and manager Susan Addy as a way to celebrate and preserve the traditional music of Ghana and Africa. The organization was established in 1986 and closed in 2018.

The floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs described in this collection require migration to a digital format and are not immediately available for patron use. Please see SCARC's "Accessing Audio-Visual Content" policy for more information.

Scope and Content Notes

The Obo Addy Legacy Project Collection consists of records, promotional materials, and various forms of media related to the Homowo African Arts and Cultures organization. Obo Addy’s personal materials include correspondence, promotional materials and photographs. The collection is divided into four subgroups, Obo Addy Materials, Homowo Organizational records and materials, a separate sub group for the various forms of media, and a fourth subgroup, the Obo Addy Legacy Project documents.

Biographical / Historical Notes

Born January 15, 1936 in Accra, the capital of Ghana, Obo Addy was one of 55 children of Jacob Kpani Addy, a medicine man who integrated rhythmic music into healing and other rituals. Obo Addy was designated by his tribe as a master drummer by the age of six. After he had become Ga Master, the National Arts Council of Ghana hired Addy in 1969, and he received his first international exposure at the Munich Summer Olympics in 1972. After moving away from performing Western musical standards on the nightclub circuit, Obo Addy joined the National Arts Council of Ghana, becoming a master in the traditional music and dance of the many cultures in Ghana. He then moved to London and spent six years touring internationally until 1978, when he moved to Portland. There he met and married his wife Susan, who began managing his musical career and his musical groups Kukrudu and later the more traditional Okropong. In 1996, Obo Addy was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship Award by the National Endowment for the Arts. This is the highest honor a traditional artist can receive in the United States. Addy is the first African born artist to ever receive the award.

Beginning in 1986, Obo Addy and his wife Susan formed the Homowo African Arts and Cultures organization, a virtual cultural center with offerings in schools, parks, community centers, and performance venues all over the country. Obo Addy passed away on September 13, 2012 leaving this rich legacy that will be carried on by the current organization, the Obo Addy Legacy Project. The Obo Addy Legacy Project continued Homowo’s valuable work of adding to the quality of life, the diversity, and the creativity of the Northwest. After 32 years of introducing people to the positive music and culture of Ghana, the Obo Addy Legacy Project closed in 2018.

Author: Michael Dicianna and Charles Martin, with additions made by Natalia Fernández.

Administrative Information

More Extent Information: 1510 photographs, 172 videotapes, and 50 CDs and DVDs; 21 boxes, including 2 oversize boxes

Statement on Access: Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions: The Obo Addy Legacy Project has retained copyright of all materials in the collection. Requests for permission to use or publish the materials will be forwarded by the Special Collections & Archives Research Center to the organization for approval.

Acquisition Note: The Obo Addy Legacy Project Collection was donated to the Special Collections and Archives Research Center by Susan Addy in 2013, with additions made in 2018.

Related Materials: This collection is a component of the Oregon Multicultural Archives (OMA). The University of Washington contains a set of film recordings of Obo Addy that are availble online as part of its Ethnomusicology Archives’ Garfias Film Collection.

Preferred Citation: Obo Addy Legacy Project Collection (MSS Addy), Oregon State University Special Collections and Archives Research Center, Corvallis, Oregon.

Finding Aid Revision History: The 2014 version of this finding aid has been updated to incorporate additions to the collection received in 2018.

Box and Folder Listing

Subgroup 1: Obo Addy Materials, 1970-2018

Records consisting of personal papers and lesson plans for Obo Addy’s educational endeavors at community schools, Lewis and Clark College, Portland State University and Reed College. Promotional materials include press releases, newspaper coverage, photography, and musical collaboration with noted Pacific Northwest and national artists. A collection of event and performance posters dating to Addy's early career are housed in oversize storage.

Series 1: Promotions and Publicity, 1971-2018

Series 1 contains promotional materials, reviews, and brochures for concerts located in the local Portland area and national stages.

Box-Folder 1.1 - 1.15: Press/PR, 1971-1994: Extent: 15 folders
Box-Folder 1.16: Rhythm of a Chief Who Walks Slowly PR, 1994
Box-Folder 1.17 - 1.35: Press/PR, 1995-2018: Extent: 19 folders
Box-Folder 2.1 - 2.2: Press/PR, undated: Extent: 2 folders
Box-Folder 2.3: Programs, undated
Box-Folder 2.4 - 2.6: Programs, 1984-2011: Extent: 3 folders
Box-Folder 2.7: Local Brochures, undated
Box-Folder 2.8: National Brochures, 1995-2006
Box-Folder 2.9 - 2.11: Mixed Brochures, 1997-2011: Extent: 3 folders
Box-Folder 19.1: Poster Printing Materials, undated
Box-Folder 19.2: Poster Material: Metal Presses, undated
Box-Folder 19.3: Brochures Negatives and First Prints, undated
Box-Folder 20.1: Performance Posters, 1980-2000
Box-Folder 20.2: National Performance Posters, undated
Box-Folder 20.3: Miscellaneous Posters, undated
Box-Folder 21.1: Performance Name Tags, 2001-2011

Series 2: Teaching and Educational Endeavors, 1993-2008

Series 2 contains educational materials for Obo Addy’s various school events and classes. This includes his elementary, high school, and University level work at Portland State University, Lewis and Clark, and Reed College. Materials included in this series are syllabi, class rosters, teaching materials, and correspondence between Obo Addy’s organization and the schools. The series also includes a sub-series containing materials for various Ghanaian drum and dance workshops taught by Obo Addy.

Sub-Series 1: K-12 Education

Box-Folder 2.12: Open Meadow Materials, undated
Box-Folder 2.13: Open Meadow Curriculum, undated
Box-Folder 2.14: Open Meadow Handbook, 1998
Box-Folder 2.15 - 2.19: Open Meadows, 2001-2006: Extent: 5 folders
Box-Folder 2.20: Peninsula, 2005
Box-Folder 2.21: Lincoln High School, 2002-2006
Box-Folder 2.22: Scappoose High School, 2000-2001
Box-Folder 2.23: Hillside/MLL Classes, undated
Box-Folder 2.24: Reed College, 2002-2004
Box-Folder 2.25: Portland State University Correspondence, 2001-2005
Box-Folder 2.26: Portland State University Senior Capstone Project, undated
Box-Folder 2.27 - 2.30: Portland State University, 1997-2003: Extent: 4 folders
Box-Folder 2.31 - 3.2: Lewis and Clark College, 2003-2008: Extent: 4 folders
Box-Folder 3.3: IS 241 Contemporary Ghana Overseas Program, 2007
Box-Folder 3.4: Educational Programs, 2002-2004
Box-Folder 3.5: Event Guides for Schools, undated
Box-Folder 3.6: School Appearances, 2010
Box-Folder 3.7: Scholastic Book "Oregon", undated
Box-Folder 3.8 - 3.9: General Education Materials, 2004-2007: Extent: 2 folders
Box-Folder 3.10 - 3.11: General Education Materials, undated: Extent: 2 folders
Box-Folder 3.12 - 3.13: Lesson Plans, undated: Extent: 2 folders
Box-Folder 3.14: Course Descriptions, undated
Box-Folder 3.15: YMCA, 2003-2004
Box-Folder 3.16: George Middle School, undated
Box-Folder 3.17: Salem Schools, 2006-2007
Box-Folder 3.18: Discovery Middle School, undated
Box-Folder 3.19: Roosevelt Elementary, 2002
Box-Folder 3.20: Possible Educational Partnerships, 2003
Box-Folder 3.21 - 3.23: Young Audiences, 1993-2004: Extent: 3 folders
Box-Folder 3.24: Stomp Project at John Ball Elementary, 2004
Box-Folder 3.25 - 3.28: Young Audiences, 2004-2008: Extent: 4 folders

Sub-Series 2: Drum and Dance Workshops

Sub-Series 1: Drum classes and workshops

Box-Folder 3.29: Shriners Hospital, 2002
Box-Folder 3.30: Emmanuel Hospital, 2002
Box-Folder 3.31: Newport, Oregon, 2002-2003
Box-Folder 3.32: Dishmen Kids, 2002
Box-Folder 3.33: Intermediate Drumming, 2003
Box-Folder 3.34: Center Space, 2004-2005
Box-Folder 3.35: Class Cards, undated
Box-Folder 3.36: Drum Class Workshops, undated
Box-Folder 3.37: Drum Class Information, undated

Sub-Series 2: Dance classes and workshops

Box-Folder 3.38: Conduit, 2002-2003
Box-Folder 3.39: Natures Classes, undated

Sub-Series 3: Drum and Dance Workshops

Box-Folder 3.40: Friendly House Classes, 2000-2003
Box-Folder 3.41: House of Umoja, undated
Box-Folder 3.42: Costumes, undated
Box-Folder 3.43: Course Descriptions, undated
Box-Folder 3.44: Undated Workshops, undated

Series 3: Photographs, 1982-2009

Series 3 includes photographs of Obo Addy, educational outreach, his bands Kukrudu and Okropong, and the annual trip to Ghana. Dates listed for each 'Box-Folder' range are the visible printed dates, however, many photos within each range lack printed dates. The predominant series date range is 1982-2009, however, the photos within the series likely range from the 1970s to approximately 2009/2010.

Box-Folder 4.1 - 4.5: Educational Outreach, 1986-2009: Extent: 5 folders
Box-Folder 4.6 - 4.8: Performances, 1987-2000: Extent: 3 folders
Box-Folder 4.9 - 4.15: Ghana Trip, 1987-2009: Extent: 7 folders
Box-Folder 4.16 - 4.18: Photographs of Obo Addy, 1982-2008: Extent: 3 folders
Box-Folder 4.19: Photographs of Kukrudu, undated
Box-Folder 4.20: Photographs of Okropong, undated
Box-Folder 19.4: Large Photo Negatives, undated

Series 4: Subject Files, 1970-2005

Series 4 includes awards given to Obo Addy from various organizations. Included within this series are the various correspondences between different agencies and Obo Addy including the Thara Memory Collaboration. In addition this Series 1ncludes material for the numerous tour locations for both Kukrudu and Okropong; these materials consist of rider contracts, stage plots, artist contracts, and venue materials. This series contains a subseries which includes letters from elementary schools and thank-you cards.

Sub-Series 1: Awards, Contracts, and Information on Ghana

Box-Folder 5.1: Awards, undated
Box-Item 20.5: Oversized Award, undated
Box-Folder 5.2: Information on Ghana, undated
Box-Folder 5.3 - 5.4: Contract Agreements, undated: Extent: 2 folders
Box-Folder 5.5 - 5.6: Rider Contracts, undated: Extent: 2 folders

Sub-Series 2: Agencies

Box-Folder 5.7: Cadence Arts, undated
Box-Folder 5.8: Fame Agency, undated
Box-Folder 5.9: General Files, undated
Box-Folder 5.10: Misc. Agencies, 1970-1990
Box-Folder 5.11: Music Notebook, undated
Box-Folder 5.12: Thara Memory Collaboration, 2005
Box-Folder 5.13: Traditional Art Services, undated

Sub-Series 3: Performances and Tour Documents

Box-Folder 5.14: 95.5 FM Luv Jones, 2002
Box-Folder 5.15: 1995-2001 Tours, 1995-2001
Box-Folder 5.16: Association of Museums at the Convetion Center, undated
Box-Folder 5.17: Berkshire Farms, undated
Box-Folder 5.18: Big Bash, 2003
Box-Folder 5.19: "The Bite", 2005
Box-Folder 5.20: Bumbershoot Festival, 2004
Box-Folder 5.21: California Tour, undated
Box-Folder 5.22: Canada Tour, undated
Box-Folder 5.23: Canada Touring, 2003
Box-Folder 5.24: Cancer Survivor Celebration, 2003
Box-Folder 5.25: Carmel California, 2002
Box-Folder 5.26: Carolina Tour, undated
Box-Folder 5.27: City of Beaverton, 2004
Box-Folder 5.28: Clark College, undated
Box-Folder 5.29: Clatsop Community College, undated
Box-Folder 5.30: Colby College, undated
Box-Folder 5.31: Colorado Springs, 2005
Box-Folder 5.32: Dayton Contemporary Dance, undated
Box-Folder 5.33: East Coast Tour, undated
Box-Folder 5.34: Echo Theater, undated
Box-Folder 5.35: European Tour, undated
Box-Folder 5.36: First Alternative Co-op, undated
Box-Folder 5.37: Grass Valley, California, undated
Box-Folder 5.38: Harrison Festival, 2003
Box-Folder 5.39: Harrison Hot Springs, 2003
Box-Folder 5.40: Jamaica Tour, undated
Box-Folder 5.41: Kennedy Center, 1997-2003
Box-Folder 5.42: Kukrudu Reunion, 1997
Box-Folder 6.1: Lincoln Center, undated
Box-Folder 6.2: Lincoln Center Stage Plots, undated
Box-Folder 6.3: Methow Valley Stage Plots, undated
Box-Folder 6.4: Miscellaneous Gigs, undated
Box-Folder 6.5: Miscellaneous Performances, undated
Box-Folder 6.6: Montana Tour, undated
Box-Folder 6.7: New Mexico, 2002-2003
Box-Folder 6.8: Northwest Tour, 2001
Box-Folder 6.9: Okropong and Kukrudu Stage Plots, undated
Box-Folder 6.10: Oral History Conference, 2004
Box-Folder 6.11: Oregon Zoo, 2003
Box-Folder 6.12: Pearl District, undated
Box-Folder 6.13: Portland Community College Art Beat, undated
Box-Folder 6.14: Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, 2004
Box-Folder 6.15: Quad City, undated
Box-Folder 6.16: Salem Central Library, undated
Box-Folder 6.17: Santa Cruz, California, 2002
Box-Folder 6.18: Spokane, Washington, 2003
Box-Folder 6.19: Summerfest, 2004
Box-Folder 6.20: Tahoe Tour, undated
Box-Folder 6.21: Tour Contract Notebook, 2001-2003
Box-Folder 6.22: University Performances, undated
Box-Folder 6.23: Utah Arts Council, 2003
Box-Folder 6.24: Utah Tour - Las Vegas, Nevada, undated
Box-Folder 6.25: Venetian Theater, undated
Box-Folder 6.26: Venue Materials, undated
Box-Folder 6.27: Walla Walla, Washington, undated
Box-Folder 6.28: Western Artist Alliance Conference, 1999-2004
Box-Folder 6.29: Williams, 2000
Box-Folder 6.30: World Rhythm Festival, undated

Sub-Series 4: Thank-You Cards and Letters

Box-Folder 6.31 - 6.32: Cards and Letters, undated: Extent: 2 folders
Box-Folder 6.33 - 6.34: Elementary School Thank-you letters, undated: Extent: 2 folders
Box-Folder 21.2: Miscellaneous Correspondence/Notes, undated

Sub-Series 5: Miscellaneous Subject Files, Undated

Box-Folder 21.3: Miscellaneous Subject Documents, undated

Subgroup 2: Homowo African Arts and Cultures Materials, 1980-2011

Homowo (formerly Homowa) African Arts and Cultures materials: This collection includes the Homowo orginization's Board of Directors records, minutes, and correspondence. Records of events and performances, promotional materials, and photographs are included. The group’s community outreach to schools and Portland, OR youth are represented. The annual Homowo Festival promotional and administrative records include venue, planning, volunteer records, and promotional media. Press materials and posters are housed in oversize storage.

Series 1: Administration, 1993-2011

This series contains board minutes that detail the organization’s mission statement, budget, and future planning. In addition, this series contains general administrative materials including website design contracts and planning, artist contracts, various correspondence with venues and orginizations both educational and professional, staff meeting schedules, and the Folk Arts Apprenticeship.

Sub-Series 1: Board of Directors

Box-Folder 6.35 - 6.38: Meeting Minutes, 1993-2002: Extent: 4 folders
Box-Folder 6.39: Board of Directors Information Packet, 2003
Box-Folder 6.40 - 7.1: Board Materials, 2004-2011: Extent: 4 folders
Box-Folder 7.2: Board Materials, undated
Box-Folder 7.3: Board Handbook, undated

Sub-Series 2: Subject Files

Box-Folder 7.4: Artist Contracts, undated
Box-Folder 7.5: Artist Meetings, undated
Box-Folder 7.6: Cheryl Brown Case, undated
Box-Folder 7.7: Folk Arts Apprenticeship, undated
Box-Folder 7.8: Miscellaneous Administration, undated
Box-Folder 7.9: Staff Meetings, undated
Box-Folder 7.10: Website Administration, undated

Series 2: Grants, 1996-2008

Series 2 contains the various grants that were written by Susan Addy to gain funding for the Homowo Foundation. This includes information on the grants themselves, correspondence between the Homowo organization and the grant organizations, and several drafts of grant proposals.

Box-Folder 7.11: Allen Foundation, 2000-2004
Box-Folder 7.12: Berni Grant, 2002-2005
Box-Folder 7.13: Boeing, 1997-2004
Box-Folder 7.14: Charlotte Martin, 2002-2005
Box-Folder 7.15: Collins Foundation, 2001-2006
Box-Folder 7.16: Hoover Family, 1998-2007
Box-Folder 7.17: Jackson Foundation, 1996-2005
Box-Folder 7.18: Letters of Recommendation, undated
Box-Folder 7.19: MAP Fund, 2002-2005
Box-Folder 7.20: Metro-North Portland, undated
Box-Folder 7.21: National Heritage Fellowship, 1996
Box-Folder 7.22: Oregon Arts Commission Council, 1997-2006
Box-Folder 7.23: Oregon Community Foundations, 1995-2004
Box-Folder 7.24: Oregon Cultural Trust, 2002-2008
Box-Folder 7.25: Oregon State Senate, undated
Box-Folder 7.26: Portland General Electric, 2002-2005
Box-Folder 7.27: Regional Arts and Cultural Council, 2003-2006
Box-Folder 7.28: US Bank, 2002-2005

Series 3: Homowo Festival, 1990-2011

This series contains five sub-series pertaining to the Homowo festival and contains festival administration materials. This includes newsletters, operating pamphlets, and sponsorships for the festival. Additionally, the series contains an unspecified number of photographs of the festival itself ranging from 1995-2003, newspaper articles, press releases, and pamphlets about the festival. Furthermore, the series contains details on the transition from the Homowo Festival to the Storytelling Festival from 2001 to 2006. This includes Ghanaian stories and details the speakers for that given year. The series also contains a list of vendors at the Homowo festival, contracts and agreements, as well as the names of each vender from the years 2000-2005. Finally the series contains volunteer agreements, details, and contracts ranging from the years 1998-2004. The series includes approximately 400 photographs.

Sub-Series 1: Administration

Box-Folder 7.29: Administration, 2003
Box-Folder 7.30: Newsletters, undated
Box-Folder 7.31: Operational Pamphlets, undated
Box-Folder 7.32: Sponsorships, 2002

Sub-Series 2: Homowo Festival Photographs

Box-Folder 8.1 - 8.3: Homowo Festival Photos, undated: Extent: 3 folders
Box-Folder 8.4: Homowo Festival Photos, 2001
Box-Item 20.6: Homowo Oversized Photo, 2004

Sub-Series 3: Promotional and Publicity Materials

Box-Folder 8.5 - 8.19: Press and Publicity Materials, 1990-2011: Extent: 15 folders
Box-Folder 8.20 - 8.21: Press and Publicity Materials, undated: Extent: 2 folders
Box-Folder 20.4: Homowo Festival Posters, 1995-2003

Sub-Series 4: Storytelling Event

Box-Folder 8.22 - 8.24: Storytelling, 2001-2006: Extent: 3 folders

Sub-Series 5: Vendors

Box-Folder 8.25 - 8.27: Vendors, 2000-2005: Extent: 3 folders

Sub-Series 6: Volunteers

Box-Folder 9.1 - 9.6: Volunteers, 1998-2004: Extent: 6 folders

Series 4: Immigration Files, 1980-2006

This series contains information on the various performers the Homowo organization brought from Ghana to perform with Obo Addy from the 1980s to 2005. This includes work visa requests, tax records and information.

Box-Folder 9.7 - 9.9: General Immigration Files, 1980-2006: Extent: 3 folders
Box-Folder 9.10: Addy, Akuyea, undated
Box-Folder 9.11: John, 2006
Box-Folder 9.12: Kweki and Dora, undated
Box-Folder 9.13: Matthis and Esther, undated
Box-Folder 9.14: Niendows, 2004-2005
Box-Folder 9.15: Okaoja, Charles, and Patience, undated
Box-Folder 9.16: Okaidja, 2001
Box-Folder 9.17: Patience, 2001
Box-Folder 9.18: Richard and Eric, undated
Box-Folder 9.19: Saii, Nai, undated

Series 5: Outreach and Education, 1999-2007

This series contains three sub-series on the Homowo organization’s community outreach. The series contains community performances which includes posters for the performances venue requests. Additionally the series contains details for the Homowo Kids Summer Camp from 2003-2007. This sub-series contains information about the day camp and various activities. Finally, the series contains information on Rhythm Explosion, a concert put on by the Homowo organization in local Portland area schools.

Sub-Series 1: Community Performances

Box-Folder 9.20: Hands on Portland, undated
Box-Folder 9.21 - 9.22: Neighborhood Performances, 2000-2002: Extent: 2 folders
Box-Folder 9.23: Portland Youth Builders, undated

Sub-Series 2: Day/Summer Camp

Box-Folder 9.24 - 10.5: Day/Summer Camp, 2000-2007: Extent: 7 folders
Box-Folder 10.6: California Programs, undated
Box-Folder 10.7: Miscellaneous Camp Activities, undated
Box-Folder 10.8: Photographs, undated
Box-Folder 10.9: Student Artwork Files, undated
Box-Folder 10.10: Scheduling, undated

Sub-Series 3: Rhythm Explosion

Box-Folder 10.11 - 10.12: Rhythm Explosion, 1999-2003: Extent: 2 folders

Series 6: Performance Materials, 1980-2011

Series VI contains various correspondence and advertisements in Dance Magazine and operating permits for the Homowo organization.

Box-Folder 10.13: Community Motive MCTV, undated
Box-Folder 10.14 - 10.15: General Files, 1980-2011: Extent: 2 folders
Box-Folder 10.16: General Files, undated
Box-Folder 10.17: Newsletter, 2006-2008
Box-Folder 10.18: Performance Scheduling, 2010-2011
Box-Folder 10.19: Critical Mass, undated
Box-Folder 10.20: Dance Magazine, undated
Box-Folder 10.21: Performance Arts Registrar, undated
Box-Folder 10.22: Permits, 2005
Box-Folder 10.23: Press, undated

Subgroup 3: Obo Addy and Homowo Media, 1980-2008

This group contains various forms of media sources such as: VHS Tapes, Cassette Tapes, professional format studio reel-to-reel and video tapes, and CD/DVD formats. Performances of Obo Addy and his musical and dance organizations are represented in various forms of media. Photographs of Obo Addy and Homowo include professional studio images as well as undated/unsorted snapshots.

Series 1: Video Presentations, 1990-2005

Series 1 contains VHS recordings of the Homowo festivals from 1990-2004 and includes one undated Betamax tape. The series also includes various performances by Obo Addy and Kukrudu or Okropong from 1980-2005. Additionally, the series contains video of Obo Addy’s trip to Ghana, student outreach, promotional tapes in the Echo Theater and Crystal Ballroom, and drum courses. The series contains 141 VHS tapes, one Betamax tape, 6 Umatic tapes, and 12 recordable video cassette tapes.

Sub-Series 1: Homowo Festival Tapes

Box-Item 11.1: Homowa Festival, 1990
Box-Item 11.2: Homowo Festival at Pioneer Square, 1990
Box-Item 11.3: Kukrudu-Second Annual Homowa Festival, 1991
Box-Item 11.4: Second Annual Homowo Performance, 1991
Box-Item 11.5 - 11.6: Second Annual Homowo Festival, 1991: Extent: 2 VHS Tapes
Box-Item 11.7: Homowo Festival Obo Addy and Kukrudu, 1991
Box-Item 11.8 - 11.11: Homowo Festival, 1996: Extent: 4 videotapes
Box-Item 11.12: Homowo Festival Cathedral Park: Obo Addy and Kukrudu, 1996
Box-Item 11.13 - 11.19: Homowo Festival, 1997: Extent: 7 videotapes
Box-Item 11.20 - 11.25: Homowo Festival, 1998: Extent: 6 videotapes
Box-Item 11.26 - 11.29: Homowo Festival, 1999: Extent: 4 videotapes
Box-Item 11.30: Homowo Festival Ray Holman Steel Drums, 1999
Box-Item 11.31 - 11.36: Homowo Festival, 2001: Extent: 6 VHS Tapes
Box-Item 11.37: Homowo Festival, 2002
Box-Item 11.38 - 11.39: Homowo Storytelling Event, 2004: Extent: 2 videotapes
Box-Item 11.40: Homowo Obo Addy and Kukrudu, undated
Box-Item 11.41 - 11.43: Undated Homowo Festival, undated: Extent: 3 videotapes
Box-Item 11.44: Homowo Festival Cheb Djamel, undated
Box-Item 11.45: Obo Addy Festival Homowa Foundation Beta Max Tape, undated
Box-Item 12.1: Homowo Sukutai and Nzuko, undated
Box-Item 12.2: Yoka Enzenze, undated
Box-Item 12.3: PGE "Homowo Festival", undated

Sub-Series 2: Performance VHS Tapes

Box-Item 12.4: Obo Addy Performing at Children's Fair, 1987
Box-Item 12.5: Reggae Makossa, 1987
Box-Item 12.6: Round Robin Jazz Festival, 1987
Box-Item 12.7: Gig Harbor Jazz Festival, 1987
Box-Item 12.8: Obo Addy and Kukrudu: Then and Now, 1988
Box-Item 12.9: Obo Addy and Kukrudu at Carnegie Music Hall, 1988
Box-Item 12.10: Kusika: A Celebration of the Human Spirit, 1989
Box-Item 12.11 - 12.12: Celebrating the Drum, 1990: Extent: 2 videotapes
Box-Item 12.13: Kukrudu Live, 1990
Box-Item 12.14: Music by Blue Lake, 1990
Box-Item 12.15: Industrial Park, 1993
Box-Item 12.16 - 12.17: Obo Addy at Pacific University, 1994: Extent: 2 videotapes
Box-Item 12.18: NappaWorld Music, Theatre and Dance Performances, 1994
Box-Item 12.19: House of Umoja Benefit, 1994
Box-Item 12.20: Samsam, 1995
Box-Item 12.21: Maui Concert, 1996
Box-Item 12.22: Obo Addy, Kuiska and Zambezi Band, 1996
Box-Item 12.23: Jeanette Frame and Obo Addy at Agate Hall, 1996
Box-Item 12.24: National Heritage Awards Concert, 1996
Box-Item 12.25: Obo Addy and Kukrudu Dance, 1998
Box-Item 12.26: Crystal Ballroom, 2001
Box-Item 12.27: Blazers Halftime Show, 2005
Box-Item 12: Echo Theater, 2005
Box-Item 12.28: World Beat Festival at Riverfront Park, 2005
Box-Item 12.29: Lewis and Clark College: Pulling at My Roots Concert, 2005
Box-Item 12.30: Obo Arts Festival, undated: VHS videotape only contains audio.
Box-Item 12.31 - 12.32: Maui Arts and Cultural Center, undated: Extent: 2 videotapes
Box-Item 12.33: Obo Addy at the Zoo, undated
Box-Item 12.34: Obo Addy and Okropong Traditional Music of Ghana, undated
Box-Item 12.35: Rhythm Consciousness, undated
Box-Item 12.36: Moxgan, undated
Box-Item 12.37: Bamaya-Abu, undated
Box-Item 12.38: Abu and Dagomba Drumming, undated
Box-Item 12.39: Obo Addy and Okropong Adru - Work in Progress, undated
Box-Item 12.40: Morgan and Oboadi Tape #1, undated

Sub-Series 3: Ghana Trip and Drumming VHS Tapes

Box-Item 13.1: Doris Korbai Addy Beginning Medicine Training, 1999
Box-Item 13.2: Damba: Abu's Mother's Theater, undated
Box-Item 13.3: Deer Festival Ghana, undated
Box-Item 13.4: President Clinton in Ghana, undated
Box-Item 13.5: Ghana Tape, undated
Box-Item 13.6: Ghana Drum Making, 1993-1994
Box-Item 13.7: Zimbabwe: Nyaotother, undated
Box-Item 13.8: Then and Now, undated

Sub-Series 4: Promotional VHS Tapes

Box-Item 13.9 - 13.16: Crystal Ballroom Promotions, undated: Extent: 8 videotapes
Box-Item 13.17 - 13.22: Echo Theater Promotions, undated: Extent: 6 videotapes
Box-Item 13.23 - 13.29: Obo Addy General Promotions, undated: Extent: 7 videotapes

Sub-Series 5: Student Outreach/Information VHS Tapes

Box-Item 14.1: Journey of the Drums, undated
Box-Item 14.2: "Obo Addy", undated
Box-Item 14.3: Oregon Art Beats, undated
Box-Item 14.4: Documentary by Lincoln High Schools, undated
Box-Item 14: Obo (Pringle School, Salem) Young Audiences, 1998
Box-Item 14.5: Rough Cuts of Obo Addy from Lincoln High school, undated
Box-Item 14.6: Ball School Video, undated
Box-Item 14.7: "Unity in Da Community", 1996
Box-Item 14.8: Obo Addy's Okoropong: Performances and Educational Outreach, undated
Box-Item 14.9: Music and Dance of Africa, undated
Box-Item 14.10: Making a Community, undated
Box-Item 14.11: Discussing African Music, undated
Box-Item 14.12: Arts at the Heart of Learning, undated
Box-Item 14.13: Obo Addy Demo Tape, undated
Box-Item 14.14 - 14.15: Music and Culture in Ghana: Mr. Obo Addy of Ghana with Kapana and Chata Addy, undated: Extent: 2 videotapes

Sub-Series 6: Video Cassettes

Box-Item 14.16 - 14.17: Robin, undated: Extent: 2 Cassettes
Box-Item 14.18: R.J.Concert, undated
Box-Item 14.19 - 14.20: Norman, undated: Extent: 2 Cassettes
Box-Item 14.21 - 14.23: Dean, undated: Extent: 3 Cassettes
Box-Item 14.24 - 14.26: Obo, undated: Extent: 3 Cassettes
Box-Item 14.27: Undated Cassette Tape, undated

Series 2: Compact Discs and DVDs, 1994-2008

Series 2 contains CDs and DVDs of photos, audio, and video presentations. The series contains 50 CDs and DVDs.

Sub-Series 1: Audio Cassettes

Box-Folder 10.24: Obo Addy Audio Cassette Tapes and Inlays, undated

Sub-Series 2: Photo CDs

Box-Item 17.1: Obo Addy, Eric Griswold, undated
Box-Item 17.2: Homowo from Jim Guadino, 2008
Box-Item 17.3: Homowo Pictures: Reprints, 2003
Box-Item 17.4: Homowo Photos, 2004
Box-Item 17.5: Photo #December 22, undated
Box-Item 17.6: Final Reports Photos, 2005
Box-Item 17.7: Programming, 2005
Box-Item 17.8: Photo #2, undated
Box-Item 17.9: Photo #3, undated
Box-Item 17.10: Charles Maclean's Photo, undated
Box-Item 17.11: Slide Show, 2006
Box-Item 17.12: Into Africa, undated
Box-Item 17.13: Homowo: Metro North Photo, undated
Box-Item 17.14: Photos from Lincoln Goat Day, undated
Box-Item 17.15: Ball Photos, undated
Box-Item 17.16: Okropong Promo Photos, undated
Box-Item 17.17: Photos for Walgreen, undated
Box-Item 17.18: Front/Back APAP Flyer, 2005
Box-Item 17.19: Homowo African Arts and Cultures, undated
Box-Item 17.20: Homowo: Professional Posters, undated

Sub-Series 3: Music CDs

Box-Item 17.21: Obo Addy Wawshishijay, 1994
Box-Item 17.22: Wawshishijay Computer Generated, 1994
Box-Item 17.23: Obo Addy-Okropong: Traditional Music + Dance of Ghana, undated
Box-Item 17.24: Obo Addy Kukrudu Music, 2000
Box-Item 17.25: Homowo African Arts and Culture, 2002
Box-Item 17.26: Obo and Okropong: Kennedy Center Youth Show, 2003
Box-Item 17.27: Critical Mass, undated
Box-Item 17.28: Obo Addy's Cries of our Mothers (Computer Generated), 2005
Box-Item 17.29: Obo Addy's Cries of our Mothers, 2005
Box-Item 17.30: Obo Addy PR: Alagao Songs, undated
Box-Item 17.31: Master Drummer Obo Addy and Kukrudu, undated
Box-Item 17.32: Le Boa with Obo Addy, undated

Sub-Series 4: Promotional CDs

Box-Item 17.33: Homowo African Arts and Cultures, undated
Box-Item 17.34: Promo Folder, 2004
Box-Item 17.35: 3 IP File Promo, 2007
Box-Item 17.36: Homowo Promo, 2005-2006
Box-Item 17.37: NEA, 2005
Box-Item 17.38: Obo Promo, 2001
Box-Item 17.39: Set Up for Promo, undated
Box-Item 17.40 - 17.42: Obo Addy Promo, undated: Extent: 3 CDs

Sub-Series 5: Information CDs and DVDs

Box-Item 17.43: Powerpoint for George Middle School, undated
Box-Item 17.44: Critical Links Powerpoint, undated
Box-Item 17.45: Obo Addy Ghanian Drum Workshop in Seattle (DVD), undated
Box-Item 17.46: A Glimpse of Ghana Curriculum, undated
Box-Item 17.47: In My Country (DVD), undated
Box-Item 17.48: Arts for Learning, undated
Box-Item 17.49: Grants, 2005
Box-Item 17.50: Grants, undated

Series 3: Professional/Studio Format Media, 1980-1994

Series 3 contains professional broadcast materials and includes 13 Umatic video tapes both dated and undated.

Box-Item 15.1: Dub of Obo Addy, 1980
Box-Item 15.2: Obo Addy and Kukrudu at Homowo Festival, 1991
Box-Item 15.3 - 15.7: Second Annual Homowow Festival, 1992
Box-Item 15.8: Obo Addy Tape #5, 1993
Box-Item 15.9: Homowa Festival, 1994
Box-Item 15.10: Kukrudu in Ghana: Panafest, 1994
Box-Item 16.1 - 16.2: Maui Concert, 1996: Extent: 2 items
Box-Item 16.3: Juke Joints and Jubilee, undated
Box-Item 16.4: Reggae Makossa, undated
Box-Item 16.5: Dub of Kwanzaa Special, undated
Box-Item 16.6: Huneme School, undated
Box-Item 16.7 - 16.8: African Ritual Then and Now, undated: Extent: 2 items
Box-Item 16.9: Front Street Weekly, undated

Series 4: Photographs - Unsorted, circa 1986 - circa 2000

Series 4 includes unsorted materials such as slides and photo negatives. The series contains approximately 400 color photos, 100 slides, and 300 negatives.

Box-Item 18.1 - 18.8: Unsorted and Undated Photographic Prints, undated: Extent: 8 folders
Box-Item 18.9 - 18.16: Unsorted and Undated Slides, undated: Extent: 8 folders
Box-Item 18.17 - 18.21: Unsorted and Undated Negatives, undated: Extent: 5 folders

Subgroup 4: Obo Addy Legacy Project Materials, 2012-2018

Subgroup 4 consists of materials related to the Obo Addy Legacy Projet (OALP), formerly known as Homowo African Arts and Cultures. Following the passing of Obo Addy on September 13th, 2012, the organization maintained its mission while changing its name to the Obo Addy Legacy Project; the organization closed in 2018. Materials in this subgroup include promotions and publicity, administration, and educational materials.

Series 1: Promotions and Publicity, 2013-2018

Series 1 contains promotional materials such as press releases, articles, flyers, and other materials promoting performances, educational outreach, and other activities related to the Obo Addy Legacy Project. Materials range in date from 2013 to 2018.

Box-Folder 21.4: Legact Project/Tribute Press, 2013-2018

Series 2: Teaching and Educational Endeavors, 2012-2018

Series 2 contains materials from the Obo Addy Legacy Projects Educational Endeavors. This includes marerials such as teaching materials and thank-you letters from elementary school participants. In addition, the series contains information regarding the OALP's D.R.U.M. Language Project, including administrative marerials and educational materials.

Sub-Series 1: Educational Materials

Box-Folder 21.5: A Journey to Ghana, the Heart of Africa, 2012-2014
Box-Folder 21.6: Miscellaneous teaching/educational materials, 2012-2018
Box-Folder 21.7: Elementary School Thank-you Letters, undated

Sub-Series 2: D.R.U.M. Language Project

Box-Folder 21.8: D.R.U.M. Language Administrative Materials, undated
Box-Folder 21.9: D.R.U.M. Language Surveys/Teaching Materials, undated
Box-Folder 21.10: D.R.U.M. Language: Hillcrest Survey's, undated

Series 3: Administrative Materials, 2012-2018

Series 3 contains administrative materials related to the Obo Addy Legacy Project (OALP), including correspondence, information regarding the board members, and other materials related to the administrative efforts of the organization.

Box-Folder 21.11: Administration and Correspondence, 2012-2018
Box-Folder 21.12: United Way- Donation Verification, 2014
Box-Folder 21.13: OALP Organization Closure Documentation, 2018