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Namibian Musicians Bring Traditional Music to Washington

Audience members usually do not dance during concerts at Washington’s Kennedy Center, but by the time Ounongo Pamwe -- an ensemble of some of Namibia’s finest musicians -- played its final number, about 100 people, joyfully swaying to the music, filled the space in front of the stage. A standing-room crowd of about 400 heard the group perform on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage.

The musicians were on the first leg of a 10-day State Department-sponsored visit to Washington, Baltimore and New York City. They are in the United States to promote Namibian traditional music and learn how American institutions preserve traditional music and foster new talent. They also want to meet American artists and musicians, particularly those involved in the fight against AIDS. (complete text) 
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The Arts

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State’s Frazer Says Africa Is a U.S. “Foreign Policy Priority”

Africa stands as a “foreign policy priority” of the Bush Administration, Assistant Secretary of State Jendayi E. Frazer tells the United States Congress October 2. In testimony before the Africa and Global Health Subcommittee in the United States House of Representatives, Frazer says that as a priority, the United States is working to promote conflict resolution, humanitarian assistance, the strengthening of transparent, democratic African governments, greater economic growth and a strengthening of counterterrorism efforts. (complete text))
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Africa's Strategic Importance to U.S. Is Growing, Envoy Says 

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Consultations with African Partners Key to U.N. Process

Talks among U.S. officials and African leaders meeting during the opening week of the 62nd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) focus on the crisis in Sudan’s Darfur region, security challenges in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and needed reforms in Zimbabwe.  (complete text)