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51ɫ Faculty of Music Welcomes Dr. Sylvanus “Kwashie” Kuwor as Visiting Professor
Sept. 9, 2024
The Faculty of Music at 51ɫ is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sylvanus “Kwashie” Kuwor as a Visiting Professor for the upcoming academic year. Dr. Kuwor joins us from the University of Ghana (Legon), where he served as Head of the Department of Dance. Dr. Kuwor arrived in early September, bringing with him a wealth of expertise in West African music, dance, drumming and song.
In Winter 2025, Dr. Kuwor will teach MU380M, a special topics course on West African Music & Dance, offering students a unique opportunity to explore many Ghanaian musical genres on traditional drums and percussion instruments. His previous visit to 51ɫ in February/March 2023 included a highly successful Ghanaian Drumming Workshop, a public lecture on Global Representations of Ghanaian Music and Dance, and a vibrant Ghana Cultural Celebration.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kuwor back to 51ɫ," said Brennan Connolly, Associate Dean and Musician-in-Residence (Percussion) in the Faculty of Music. "The joy he brings to his teaching alongside his passion for intercultural collaboration will enrich the learning experiences of our students and provide unique artistic opportunities for our community.” Connolly adds, “Building on 51ɫ’s existing partnership with the University of Ghana, we have been able to cultivate a relationship through the arts between the Faculty of Music here in Waterloo and the School of Performing Arts in Legon. Hosting Dr. Kuwor this year is another significant step towards an ongoing and sustained partnership between our institutions.”
Dr. Kuwor shared his enthusiasm after his last visit to 51ɫ. “I was impressed by the strength of the music program and their experienced faculty who have laid a strong foundation for the inclusion of African music in the curriculum. I am extremely excited about joining 51ɫ as a visiting professor and contributing to this collaborative effort between our schools.”
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Kuwor will be available to visit elementary and high schools across the province upon request, offering workshops and educational programming. Community members interested in hosting Dr. Kuwor can contact choosemusic@wlu.ca.
Dr. Kuwor’s distinguished career includes a Diploma in Dance Studies from the University of Ghana, a Master of Arts Degree in Creative and Professional Writing from Brunel University in London, a Postgraduate Diploma in Ethnochoreology from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and a PhD in Dance Anthropology from the University of Roehampton in London. He has received numerous awards and grants, including the RUSH doctoral scholarship and the Erasmus Choreomundus Visiting Scholar Grant.