Artist Bio
The Jamaican Ensemble consists of Kosi Keith Eric, Malisha Odlum, Raymond Bean and Valroy Dawkins. Kosi Keith Eric is Jamaican born and grew up in the tradition of his Maroon dad. He studied formally in America at the
American Conservatory of Music where he received his Bachelor of Music degree. Malisha Odlum is originally from St. Lucian and has toured the world as a singer/dancer with the likes of Miriam Maluba from South Africa. Raymond Bean is from Chicago and has toured the United States as a percussionist with many groups. In addition to his work as a percussionist, he also makes instruments. Valroy Dawkins is originally from Jamaica and is a featured dancer with the West Indies Dance Troupe. He is the lead singer with the World Music band
Funkadesi.
Educational Philosophy
Jamaica’s tradition of great music spans over 400 years and dates back to the arrival of West Africans in Jamaica. The Jamaican Ensemble takes students through the hills of the cockpit country where most of the traditional dance, music, and culture thrived and is still practiced today. The program travels from past to present, offering an historical explanation of why Jamaican culture is so strong today.
