Welcome to the Nia Network: A Program Bureau, a division of Celeste Bateman & Associates. The program bureau features visual and performing artists, historians, writers and motivational speakers of African descent who present in various venues nationally and internationally. CB&A has compiled a roster of extraordinarily talented individuals who are available to perform and present at colleges and universities, performing arts centers, schools, churches, corporations, festivals, trade shows, etc. What makes this program bureau unique is that all of the participants present topics and art forms pertaining to the African Diaspora.
Nia is the Swahili word for ‘purpose.’ Our purpose is to promulgate what is rich and positive about African, Caribbean, and African-American culture, history, heritage and art. For booking information, email us at info@celestebateman.com or call 973.705.8253.
PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to take on additional artists/speakers at this time, but please feel free to forward your information for future consideration.
Nia is the Swahili word for ‘purpose.’ Our purpose is to promulgate what is rich and positive about African, Caribbean, and African-American culture, history, heritage and art. For booking information, email us at info@celestebateman.com or call 973.705.8253.
PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to take on additional artists/speakers at this time, but please feel free to forward your information for future consideration.
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Alva Nelson and Afrykhan Khaneckshun
Alva Nelson is a pianist and composer of note. His group, the Afrikan Khaneckshun (pronounced African Connection) is a large ensemble which features original music arranged for jazz band and Djembe (jem-bay) orchestra. The Djembe orchestra consists of three main drums: the Djembe, Songba and Djundjun (june-june) which is the standard ensemble that supports West African Dance. This group combines jazz and West African dance, both indigenous forms where rhythm dominates and improvisational elements are key.
As an individual artist, Mr. Nelson has worked as a musical director and conductor for numerous concerts and theatre peroformances, and as a composer and arranger he has worked at various venues and universities around the country.
Afrikan Khaneckshun and Pyramyd! Dance Theatre, which Nelson also directs, are available for full-length performances for all ages, workshops and assembly programs.
As an individual artist, Mr. Nelson has worked as a musical director and conductor for numerous concerts and theatre peroformances, and as a composer and arranger he has worked at various venues and universities around the country.
Afrikan Khaneckshun and Pyramyd! Dance Theatre, which Nelson also directs, are available for full-length performances for all ages, workshops and assembly programs.