The UBC School of Music is pleased to announce the hire of Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo as a full-time Lecturer in African Music and African Studies.
Dr. Kofi J. S. Gbolonyo joined the UBC School of Music as a Visiting Assistant Professor in September 2009, soon after completing his Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology with a Graduate Certificate in African Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Since joining the UBC faculty, he has made significant contributions through his graduate and undergraduate courses in Ethnomusicology and the UBC African Studies Minor Program, and his direction of the UBC African Music and Dance Ensemble.
“We are so happy to welcome Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo as a full-time lecturer in African Music and African Studies. Kofi has been with us many years, but after strong support from our Dean, Director, and numerous faculty and students this has become a reality. We all look forward to our continued good work together to the benefit of our university and community!” said Dr. Nathan Hesselink, Professor of Ethnomusicology.
Kofi Gbolonyo is a scholar, educator, and performer whose primary research, expertise, and educational interests are in: West African traditional music and dance; Ewe Indigenous knowledge, language and culture; Orff-Schulwerk pedagogy; multicultural music education; and Ghanaian brass band and choral music. His scholarship focuses on Indigenous knowledge and cultural values in the musical practices of the Ewe and Fon of West Africa.
“Kofi has been a member of our musical community for over a decade now and we are so pleased that he will be taking on this expanded role. He is a consummate musician and passionate teacher,” said Dr. T. Patrick Carrabré, Director of the School of Music.
