this Sunday when Kidfest presents a very special children's show, "Janjungo Ba''.

The company known as Marang and consisting of both African and American performers combines music (drums, kora -- a 21-string harp/lute), traditional songs, dance, stilts and acrobatics within the framework of a storyteller who relates the story of the ascent of the Mali Empire and the Gold Kingdom of French West Africa.

"This show should have a broad appeal,'' says Bermuda resident and former dancer Paula Maguire, who formed Kidfest to bring the best of international theatre to the children of Bermuda.

"I feel I am very lucky to have secured Marang, a thrilling group of performers. The Mali Empire was the largest in African history and the story which is told in the show was taken and re-written by Disney to become `The Lion King'! It is a true story.'' Marang is led by Alhaji Papa Susso, born in the Republic of Gambia and coming from a long line of traditional oral historian/storytellers. A master kora player, Papa Susso received a scholarship to attend university in Liberia where, in 1969, he gained a bachelor of arts degree in business administration. On his return to The Gambia, he became a civil servant but later resigned to devote himself full-time to his first love -- that of kora player. He became chief player of The Gambia's National Troupe, but in 1974, formed his own cultural organisation, The Manding Music and Dance Limited, dedicated to reviving and preserving the traditions of his country.

Kidfest aims not only to introduce children to the delights of live theatre, but to ensure that each group presented represents the highest quality. For that reason, Mrs. Maguire prefers groups whose work is geared specifically towards children and young people.

"If we are serious about the value of the performing arts,'' she says, "we should be careful that they are exposed to only the very best.'' In order to reflect the international nature of all theatre, Mrs. Maguire also presents theatre that reflects a wide range of nationalities, cultures and traditions.

"Janjungo Ba'' will take place at Warwick Secondary School on Sunday, February 2 at 1 and 3 p.m. Tickets at $15 may be purchased from the Bookmart in the Phoenix Centre.

JANJUNGO BA -- A musical African odyssey at Kidfest this Sunday.