Oral history interview with Kofi Kissi Dompere

Kofi Kissi Dompere – a professor, economist, and statistician - spoke about where he is from in Ghana; his migration to the United States to study in Philadelphia, and later to Washington, DC to teach at Howard University; and his first impression of the United States when he arrived in Philadelphia. Dompere stated he is part of the "kingdom of Ashantis". Dompere spoke about the radio shows, "African Rhythms and Extensions" and "World Rhythms", he hosts on WPFW; African music and its philosophy; African musicians and instruments; the rhythms of African music found in music throughout the world, including jazz, go-go, rap, and Brazilian music; improvisation and rhythm of African music, dance, and art; the rhythm patterns on the African continent; the relationship between drumming and dancing in African culture; Salsa Africana; and the most popular forms of music coming out of Africa. Dompere explained Afro-centric education; the European thought system versus African thought system; how the foundation of European knowledge system was developed from the African thought system; the importance of individuals and communities to have a thought system where they can reason correctly and verify truth; the importance of discipline in education; and the struggle between Africa and Europe, and the racial undertone. Dompere explained how Black language is influenced by African language; and how Black people still have within them the rhythmic understanding that allows them to develop the true African rhythm pattern. He spoke about African languages and African names; the influence of African culture in the United States; how language of music bridges gaps of differences and creates environment of understanding; the freedom of improvisation; African values, spiritually, and worship; and how the world is governed by rhythms. Dompere spoke about African musicians and African music scene in Washington, DC; night clubs, specifically Kilimanjaro, and African DJs; the stores where African music can be purchased in Washington, DC; African music producers; the Ghanaian community in Washington, DC; and Ghanaian and African cultural activities, festivals, societies, and churches in Washington, DC. Interview is in English. Digital audio files include white noise and static, and some sound distortion. Interviewee's voice is intelligible for the most part.