Agbedidi was founded in the fall of 1995 during UF’s inaugural African Artist-in-Residence project with Ewe master musician, Godwin Agbeli. “Agbedidi” translates from the Ewe language as “long life” — abge meaning “life” and didi meaning “long.” In adopting this title, the ensemble at once honors Mr. Abgeli (whose name means “there is life”) and salutes the promise of a long and prosperous life for African music and dance in the New World.

Though Mr. Agbeli passed away in the spring of 1998, his dedication to living African traditions continues to inspire Agbedidi to unite local and global communities through education, outreach, and performance with numerous events throughout the year. Though Agbedidi is comprised primarily of theatre, dance, and music students who rehearse each week, membership is open to all who are interested.

Photos on this page by Greg Johnson