Sept. 26: Wesleyan College To Host One Love Festival

By Scott Field

Co-Chair of Entertainment Committee

The Walidanes are excited to again perform at this year’s One Love Festival which be held at Wesleyan College on Sept. 26 from 1 to 9:30 p.m.

This unique group of women drummers are ever-supportive friends of fellow Buddhist and One Love Founder Rick Mateo, who invited them to perform at the first One Love Festival in 2005.  This year’s theme is Ignite Peace.

 The Walidanes will perform with an array of artists. This year’s roster will feature drumming, spoken word and plenty of opportunities for audience participation.

Walidanes were founded in 1999 by the late Camille Mitchell, a member of Soka Gakkai International, a lay Buddhist organization. 

Before her passing, the group promised Camille that they would share the joy of their Buddhist practice through powerful drumming.  Since that time, under the tutelage of Master Drummer Medoune “Dame” Guyue, the Walidanes have thrilled audiences with their performance of traditional African rhythms and songs. 

In addition to the One Love Festival, the Walidanes have performed in dozens of venues including the United Nations, the World Bank, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and numerous peace and cultural festivals nationally and internationally.  

“No goodly deed was or will ever be lost, for benevolent acts are treasures preserved with God for the benefit of those who act.” Baha’u’llah.