Madeleine Yayodele Nelson facts for kids

Madeleine Yayodele Nelson (born September 16, 1948 – died September 6, 2018) was an American musician and composer. She was a talented percussionist, meaning she played many different kinds of drums and shakers. Her favorite instrument was the West African shekere. This is a shaker made from a dried gourd, often covered with a net of beads or shells.

Madeleine also played other cool instruments. These included the djembe drum, the mbira (which is like a thumb piano), and the calabash. The calabash is a large gourd from a fruit, used as a percussion instrument.

In 1978, Madeleine started and led a music group called Women of the Calabash. This group was inspired by music from Africa and the African Diaspora. The African Diaspora refers to people of African descent living all over the world. The group used their own ideas to create music inspired by places like sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and North and South America. Madeleine even made shekeres by hand for the famous Broadway show Fela! in New York City and London.

Her Musical Journey

Teaching Music

Madeleine Nelson loved teaching music to others. For 41 years, she taught shekere classes every Saturday for DanceAfrica in New York City. She also taught music at the Fresh Air Fund camp and at Symphony Space in New York City. She even taught music in Guyana, a country in South America.

Madeleine taught music to both children and adults through Symphony Space's education program. She also worked as a teaching artist in public schools in Pennsylvania and New York. This meant she shared her musical skills with students in classrooms.

Performing as an Artist

Madeleine was a solo artist, performing by herself or with other famous musicians. She performed with artists like Paul Simon, Edie Brickell, Billy Harper, and a group called Timbila.

Women of the Calabash Performances

As the leader of Women of the Calabash, Madeleine helped the group share their music with many people. The group performed with well-known artists like The Temptations, Richie Havens, Philip Glass, Odetta, Max Roach, and Ashford & Simpson.

Women of the Calabash traveled a lot, performing in clubs, theaters, festivals, and schools. They even recorded an album called The Kwanzaa album in 2000. This album celebrates Kwanzaa, which is a week-long celebration of African-American culture held every December.

Madeleine also worked with many other musical groups and artists. These included mbiraNYC, Kalunga, Alakande, Vivian Warfield, Zauditu Chambers, Dawn Drake, Rhodessa Goings, and Gabriella Dennery.

Music on Screen

Madeleine's group, Women of the Calabash, appeared on television and in films.

• In 1987, they were in a TV documentary by Skip Blumberg. They played African and African Diaspora rhythms, and sang South African protest songs.
• In 1995, they were featured in a film called Black Is Black Ain’t by Marlon Riggs.
• They also appeared in a film called The Visit by the American Bible Society.

Musical Styles and Instruments

Madeleine Nelson's music was a mix of different styles, often called "ethnic fusion."

• West African Tradition: Music rooted in the ancient traditions of West Africa.
• Afro-Latin: A blend of African and Latin American musical styles.
• Afro-Beat: A mix of West African musical styles like Fela Kuti's music, jazz, and funk.
• African Diaspora: Music influenced by African cultures around the world.

She played many instruments, including:

• Shekere
• African drums
• Mbira (thumb piano)
• Cajón (a box-shaped drum)

Albums and Recordings

Madeleine Nelson contributed to several albums:

• 2004 – Raven: The Classics by Gabrielle Roth
• 1998 – The Kwanzaa Album by Women Of The Calabash
• 1995 – Tongues by Gabrielle Roth & the Mirrors
• 1994 – Picture Perfect Morning by Edie Brickell
• 1994 – Raven Records
• 1993 – Somalia by Billy Harper
• 1991 – Waves by Gabrielle Roth & the Mirrors
• 1990 – The Rhythm of the Saints by Paul Simon
• 1989 – Bones by Gabrielle Roth & the Mirrors