Culture

A few years ago, BFU-USA lost a cultural icon in the person of Taa Mfoomi Fred Yiran. Years later, Nfoomi’s legacy is strong and alive with us and far beyond the BFU-USA community. Mfoomi’s love for culture made him an artist, a linguist, an educator, a historian, an innovator and a community activist. He truly believed in and embraced the saying that “Culture is the identity of a people”. He lived this legacy till his last breath. We are honored to see that Mfoomi’s legacy continous to grow. The city of St. Cloud, Minnesota has designated June 25th as the Fred Yiran African Arts Day. The BFU-USA National Executive and BFU-USA Minnesota Chapter will be officially participating in the first celebration of this day on June 25th, 2017. We invite all our friends and wellwishers in the St. Cloud Community to join us as we celebrate this great honor with the Yiran Family.

The Fred Yiran African Arts Day will celebrate the rich artistic culture and heritage of the thousands of African immigrants who now call Central MN home. The event will intentionally be designed as part of 2017 Granite City Days so that a greater number of area residents can be exposed to and engage in the multidisciplinary African arts activities planned for the event. Fred Yiran, an artist from Cameroon, has been celebrated for his commitment to bridging the gap for new immigrants, and connecting more than 3,000 young students to African values of connectedness, reverence, and respect, through his drum-making residencies throughout Minnesota.

The Instruments of Our Music

Smithsonian Museum Project

"Siri" or "Ngem" (Metal Gong)

A "Ngem" (metal gong) is usually made from iron. You may recognize it as a central part of our logo! It is commonly used as an accompanying instrument in our cultural dance performances...

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BFU-USA Delegation at The Smithsonian

In August 2010, BFU-USA visited the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington, DC to discuss collaborative opportunities in promoting the culture and arts of Bui Division...

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