Mxolisi & The Sankofa Singers The Sankofa Singers is a trio of African spirits who sing for the liberation, joy and elevation of the world African community. While they reside in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, the orientations of their hearts and souls make them ambassadors of peace, love and justice for the whole human family. The cornerstones for Sankofa are Achebe Hoskins and Sidney Coulter. These two Brothers have been entertaining and instigating consciousness in the Bay Area together for more than 30 years – with songs, story-telling, boot dances, drumming and penetrating musical reflections on the triumphs, heartaches and aspirations of the world African community. In their day jobs, Bro. Achebe is a counselor, striving to help ex-offenders find fulfilling lives after their release from incarceration; Bro. Sidney is an employment counselor in the city of Berkeley, helping folks find positive opportunities for their career and vocational aspirations. In recent years, my beautiful sister, Akanke Uzoma Peyton, an extraordinary mother and deep-soul sister, has added her voice to the Sankofa sound, continuing to pursue her heart-felt desire to be of assistance and inspiration to the African & African American family. Additionally, Sis. Akanke is a pillar of strength and reliability in the Wo’se Community of the Sacred African Way/House of Amen Ra (Oakland, CA) and in the pre-K through 8th grade school that Wo’se operates, Ile Omode (House of the Children). Her heart sings for the liberation and joy of all the “brown babies” and their parents and elders, too. Randy Dixon (me & Akanke’s brother) is Sankofa’s self-taught musical innovator and director (keyboard artist and synthesizer manipulator) who provides the musical carpet upon which the Sankofa sound rides. A cook, caterer, carpenter and more, Randy has a masterful touch in many trades. He certainly brought a masterful touch to this project Yours truly, Minister Mxolisi (Mxolisi T. Sowell), co-founder and senior minister emeritus of the Wo’se Community, was inspired to write the songs for this project. Sankofa was the answer to my prayer for a serious group of entertainers with whom I could work to bring this labor of love to fruition. This is my crowning touch to more than 25 years of song-writing, soul searching and singing. My inspiration was to create some songs that truly reflect the spirit and purpose of Kwanzaa and the Nguzo Saba – readily singable songs that lend themselves to the African wisdom that says, “If you can talk, you can sing.” My on-going prayer is that these songs will be sung by young and old alike for generations beyond measure, bringing conviction, hope and joy to their lives and celebrations. Kwanzaa Yenu Iwe Na Heri: May your Kwanzaa (and all the seasons of your lives) be filled with blessings divine! (A portion of our proceeds go to benefit Ile Omode School.)