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| 29.4.61- 20.11.2011 |
The old CAISA was such a memorable place, I am sure all the people the experienced the place will agree with me. The place exuded a warm atmosphere that nourished creativity, and willingness to participate. It was a home to all with its open door policy, and less bureaucracy. The workers were always handy to welcome anyone who popped in, and would willingly help out with any information you seek. The center's restaurant was an important meeting point and a hangout. Many new comers to Helsinki started making meaningful contacts that affected their future in a very positive way at the center.
Celebrations, art exhibitions, theater, dance lessons, music concerts, were some of the various activities that went on constantly at the center.
Among numerous active artistic personae that kept the old International Cultural Center vibrant in those good old years in the 90s, was a lively, ever smiling, and jovial Senegalese young man named Elhaj Ndiaye (RIP).
For those who knew Elhaj, the picture of him in their minds can never be complete if their was no Djembe or Sabah drums to go with it, for Whenever Elhaj Ndiaye walk the streets of Helsinki, he carried along with him at least two drums or more.
A tireless dedicated African dance and drum teacher he was, and he gave lessons almost everyday at different locations hence he was always saddled with drums.
In this rare video below that I shot at the old CAISA, Elhadji Ndiaye and his brother, Sabasy Ndiaye, another talented dancer & drummer, for it runs in their family, in concert with the master drummer Ismaila Sane, mesmerizes the crowd at the Helsinki International Cultural Center, CAISA.
