Upcoming
Urban Tea Ceremony – Immersion
January 15 & 16, 2024
A version of Urban Tea Ceremony, a dance-theater performance ritual with live music in which a classic Hip Hop artist travels through space and time to a traditional Japanese tea house, will be performed at Torn Page (435 West 22nd Street, NYC) on January 15 & 16 ( during APAP).
This will be an interactive experience where the audience will also partake in having some tea.
Ticket link: TBA
This will be an interactive experience where the audience will also partake in having some tea.
Ticket link: TBA
Previous Events
Once Again (for the very first time) at Tallinn Film Festival
November 2023
Once Again (for the very first time) by Boaz Yakin, a film blending surrealism, drama, rap, dance and music as a dancer and poet reflect on their lives and past relationship, premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (POFF).
Akim was the specialized casting agent for the film, recruiting several of the core dancers with unique movement styles and skill sets.
Watch the trailer here.
Akim was the specialized casting agent for the film, recruiting several of the core dancers with unique movement styles and skill sets.
Watch the trailer here.
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Urban Tea Ceremony at APAP
January 14, 2023
An excerpt of the full show was performed at APAP|NYC, the world's premier gathering of the performing arts, on January 14, 2023, at the New York Hilton Midtown.
Urban Tea Ceremony, created by Akim Funk Buddha, is a dance-theater performance ritual with live music, in which a classic Hip Hop artist travels through space and time to a traditional Japanese tea house. Here, there is a sharing of tea, of music and movement styles. A cultural alchemy transpires, and each one leaves the ritual having received a gift from the other. The show culminates into a climax of audience interaction, call and response, and the sharing of tea.
The costumes are made from material from Akim’s travels giving rise to yet another layer of cultural alchemy. Japanese kimonos are made with Balinese and/or African material, and wearable origami props are made from recycled sail cloth.
Urban Tea Ceremony, created by Akim Funk Buddha, is a dance-theater performance ritual with live music, in which a classic Hip Hop artist travels through space and time to a traditional Japanese tea house. Here, there is a sharing of tea, of music and movement styles. A cultural alchemy transpires, and each one leaves the ritual having received a gift from the other. The show culminates into a climax of audience interaction, call and response, and the sharing of tea.
The costumes are made from material from Akim’s travels giving rise to yet another layer of cultural alchemy. Japanese kimonos are made with Balinese and/or African material, and wearable origami props are made from recycled sail cloth.
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Akim Funk Buddha and the Urban Tea Ceremony at Opus 40
August 20th, 2022
Akim and his crew perform The Urban Tea Ceremony, a joyous marriage of Brooklyn and Japan, stillness and motion, noise and silence, as part of Opus 40's Stockade Saturday Cabaret.
More info and tickets available here.
More info and tickets available here.
Bonsai Bali Immersion Residency
July 10th, 2022
Akim will be studying the Baris dance and working on collaborative works with Anom Baris, the founder of Semara Ratih.
In addition, Akim has been invited to share his craft at the Dragon Tea house. This time he will be reimagining his signature work, The Urban Tea Ceremony, and exploring what being in Bali may inspire.
He will be joined by musician Rima Fand and creative activators Kimberly Tate and Zachary Human, and a special guest.
He will be joined by musician Rima Fand and creative activators Kimberly Tate and Zachary Human, and a special guest.
The Blindian Project
June 23, 2022
Akim performs Tuvan throat singing and Beatboxing with special guest, Mir Naqibul Islam, an avid student of Tabla, who has trained in the traditional guru–shishya style of Indian Classical music.
Funk Buddha Specialized Casting
May-June 2022
Funk Buddha Specialized casting / Effortless Impact
Akim cast unique dancers to appear in the film Once Again For the First Time by Boaz Yakin (Remember the Titans/ Denzel Washington, Fresh) and iconic choreographer Rennie Harris, including experimental dancer extraordinaire Future (Daniel E Kelly).
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Future (Daniel E Kelly) and Chihiro Cute-Beat Kobayashi
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Akim Funk Buddha Company
at the annual Sakura Matsuri, Brooklyn Botanical Garden
April 26, 2020
at the annual Sakura Matsuri, Brooklyn Botanical Garden
April 26, 2020
Akim was a recipient of a fellowship from the US Japan Commission and the National Endowment of the Arts. He made a performance and research trip to Japan to learn about the tea ceremony and other aspects of Japanese culture and tradition.
Akim has been exploring the Japanese tea ceremony for over a decade. He is drawn to the shared ritual quality of it and committed to opening doors to real connection between people through dance theater. He is also deeply inspired by the way the tea ceremony raises awareness of the moment through its meditative silence, stillness and pauses, which he believes is particularly powerful in an urban setting.
Akim has been exploring the Japanese tea ceremony for over a decade. He is drawn to the shared ritual quality of it and committed to opening doors to real connection between people through dance theater. He is also deeply inspired by the way the tea ceremony raises awareness of the moment through its meditative silence, stillness and pauses, which he believes is particularly powerful in an urban setting.
Funkbuddha1000!
Akim Funk Buddha's Urban Tea Ceremony on the Osborne Garden Stage
Sunday, April 26, 2020, 12:30-1:15pm
Osborne Garden Stage
https://www.bbg.org/visit/event/sakura_matsuri_2020
Dancers
Chihiro "Cute-Beat" Kobayashi
Jessica Ho aka "Twilight"
Kimberly Galaxxy
Akim Funk Buddha's Urban Tea Ceremony on the Osborne Garden Stage
Sunday, April 26, 2020, 12:30-1:15pm
Osborne Garden Stage
https://www.bbg.org/visit/event/sakura_matsuri_2020
Dancers
Chihiro "Cute-Beat" Kobayashi
Jessica Ho aka "Twilight"
Kimberly Galaxxy
Bonsai Boombox
An event for the Whole Family
March 1, 2020
An event for the Whole Family
March 1, 2020
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Global grooves meet urban moves. An event for the whole family with food, fun, music and rhythm. A triple threat celebration of the birthdays of of Kimberly Tate, Hakuto Imani, the son of Chihiro, and one month old Apollo, Son of Kimberly Tate and Akim Funk Buddha. Performances by: Akim Funk Buddha Kimberly Tate Chihiro Cute Beat aka Cat Dragon Special appearance by Neel Murgai of BRM Doors open 1:30pm, event starts at 2pm. |
Sunday, March 1, 2020, 1:30–4:30pm
Venue: WARA, at the corner of 4th Street and 1st Avenue
RSVP here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/507401526643755
Akim Funk Buddha appearing with with Bashiri Johnson Band
at a screening of Broadway Movie-Musical SOUL DOCTOR
in Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 20, 2020, 4pm
AMC Magic Johnson Harlem (2309 Frederick Douglas Blvd.)
Tickets here
at a screening of Broadway Movie-Musical SOUL DOCTOR
in Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 20, 2020, 4pm
AMC Magic Johnson Harlem (2309 Frederick Douglas Blvd.)
Tickets here
Original origami costumes designed for Sakura Matsuri. Pictured above dancers Ruri Saito & Masae Satouchi. Photo credit: Suzie Samuel
Funk Buddha / Bonsai Lab
Dance Parade May 18, 2019
Come celebrate
urban indigenous dance & music together with us!
1pm- 4pm
21st & Broadway to Ave A
Grand Stand
(Located at Astor Place/ Saint marks)
An option to chill in the bleachers & see over 80 diverse dance styles (including us!) in procession.
Dance fest
Tompkins Square Park
A post - parade festival on 5 stages and we will perform on one of them.
3pm-7pm
For more details go to the site below
https://danceparade.org/see-the-parade/
Left to Right: Yuzu Natsumi, Akim Funk Buddha, Chihiro Kobayashi, Jessica Ho
ONGOING TRAINING
Weekly Bonsai Lab training sessions for regular and new participants
Feel free to send a message if interested.
Kimberly Galaxxzy birthday celebration
Sunday, Feb 24, 2019
DANCITECTURE experiment
Chihiro Cat Dragon Womb Performance
7pm @ V Spot, 12 St. Marks Street, Manhattan
Sunday, Feb 24, 2019
DANCITECTURE experiment
Chihiro Cat Dragon Womb Performance
7pm @ V Spot, 12 St. Marks Street, Manhattan
Dumi Right Global Hip Hop Excursions
featuring Akim Funk Buddha and the Bonsai Lab
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage
Bonsai Lab performers:
Jessica Ho aka Twilight (Principal Dancer)
Kimberly Tate "Galaxxy" (Principal Dancer)
Nong (Drums)
featuring Akim Funk Buddha and the Bonsai Lab
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage
Bonsai Lab performers:
Jessica Ho aka Twilight (Principal Dancer)
Kimberly Tate "Galaxxy" (Principal Dancer)
Nong (Drums)
SAKURA MATSURI AT BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDENS 2018
April 28th and 29th 2018
Funk Buddha's Urban Tea Terrarium / with Bonsai lab
Performing spontaneous sets from 12 noon
Live music set at 5pm
April 28th and 29th 2018
Funk Buddha's Urban Tea Terrarium / with Bonsai lab
Performing spontaneous sets from 12 noon
Live music set at 5pm
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American Beatbox Championships 2018
featuring Akim Funk Buddha special appearances by Jessica Ho & Klassic Carella |
Travels & Research In Bali
During September, I ventured forth to Bali for artistic research and adventure. I met extraordinary people dancers, musicians , too many to name. Here are some high lights of moments I managed to catch.
Creative movement class at The Yoga Barn. Thanks to Fabian Alsultany for re-connecting me with Meghan Pappenheim who arranged for me to conduct an Experimental Movement work shop at the Yoga Barn. ( Supported by Isami on Mbira). The class was epic!
Big thanks to Ito, the director of the Jatiluwih Festival. We hope to arrange an arts exchange between the Urban Orchestra /Bonsai lab and local musicians and dancers for 2019.
Big thanks to Mama Jan who arranged my presentation at the Green School where I was supported by Isami on Mbira.
Many future prospects to return in the pipeline!
Many future prospects to return in the pipeline!
Come celebrate with us on the night of the longest lunar eclipse of the century:
Akim Funk Buddha's Birthday
7/27/18
7pm - 12am
Abhaya Yoga
Join us and bear witness to dazzling, high-vibe live music and performances by Akim Funk Buddha & the Bonsai Lab along with some very special guests. Get swept up into the time warp of brilliant sight, sound & movement celebrating a lifetime of artistry.
Bonsai Lab
Chihiro Cute-Beat Kobayashi, Jessica Ho, Kimberly Tate (Dancers)
Anastasia Golenisheva (Cellist)
Nagi Okamoto (Saxophone)
Rima Fand (Violinist + Vocalist)
Nong (Drums)
Special Guests
Hoona Kim
Priya Rajagopalan
& more TBA!
~ Donation at the door $10 ~
Akim Funk Buddha's Hip-Hop Holiday Gala
Sunday December 17th 2017 at 6 PM - 10 PM
Jebon NYC
15 Saint Marks Pl, New York, New York 10003
A celebration of Akim Funk Buddha's performance and travels over three decades of crossing oceans in the name of spontaneous and orchestrated cultural exchange.
For over a decade "Akim Funk Buddha's Hip-Hop Holiday" has been held at BAM Café Live. But this year an almost 12 year tradition of live music of BAM Café comes to an end. Many have wondered, including Akim himself, if and where the show will be...
So this year the flying boom box lands at Jebon, an intimate venue in the East Village, NYC. Join musicians of the Urban Orchestra & dancers from the experimental Bonsai lab to celebrate this special time of year!
Rima Fand
Michiko Takatani
Jerome Jordan
Nong
Chihiro Cute-Beat
Kimberly Galaxxxy
Jessica Ho aka Twilight
Special appearance by Stefan Steinberg
& special guests
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Come early for dinner & good seats!!!
6pm - Dinner
6:30pm -Show time!
Event seating is very limited.
Advanced Tickets: $25 $50 $100
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/akim-funk-buddha-hip-hop-holiday-gala-tickets-41196564032
Tickets purchased in advanced will guarantee entry. Reserved and VIP seats will have a special place close to the action! Remaining available tickets will be at the door $10. Tickets do not include dinner.
Cover photo by Susie Samuel
Sunday December 17th 2017 at 6 PM - 10 PM
Jebon NYC
15 Saint Marks Pl, New York, New York 10003
A celebration of Akim Funk Buddha's performance and travels over three decades of crossing oceans in the name of spontaneous and orchestrated cultural exchange.
For over a decade "Akim Funk Buddha's Hip-Hop Holiday" has been held at BAM Café Live. But this year an almost 12 year tradition of live music of BAM Café comes to an end. Many have wondered, including Akim himself, if and where the show will be...
So this year the flying boom box lands at Jebon, an intimate venue in the East Village, NYC. Join musicians of the Urban Orchestra & dancers from the experimental Bonsai lab to celebrate this special time of year!
Rima Fand
Michiko Takatani
Jerome Jordan
Nong
Chihiro Cute-Beat
Kimberly Galaxxxy
Jessica Ho aka Twilight
Special appearance by Stefan Steinberg
& special guests
- - - - - - -
Come early for dinner & good seats!!!
6pm - Dinner
6:30pm -Show time!
Event seating is very limited.
Advanced Tickets: $25 $50 $100
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/akim-funk-buddha-hip-hop-holiday-gala-tickets-41196564032
Tickets purchased in advanced will guarantee entry. Reserved and VIP seats will have a special place close to the action! Remaining available tickets will be at the door $10. Tickets do not include dinner.
Cover photo by Susie Samuel
NEXT LEVEL TEAM AZERBIAJAN
Click on link for info.
Akim Funk Buddha and 3 other other artist have been selected to embark on a journey of cultural exchange to Azerbaijan. The trip has been co ordinated by the U.S. Embassy, Educational and Cultural Affairs Office, UNC, and State Department.
Click on link for info.
Akim Funk Buddha and 3 other other artist have been selected to embark on a journey of cultural exchange to Azerbaijan. The trip has been co ordinated by the U.S. Embassy, Educational and Cultural Affairs Office, UNC, and State Department.
HOUSE DANCE INTERNATIONAL
Akim Funk Buddha is the Experimental judge at HOUSE DANCE INTERNATIONAL
Categories include: House, Waacking, Vogue, Experimental
HDI July 15th 2017
NYC Teatro Latea: 107 Suffolk Street 2nd Floor between Rivington and Delancey.
Judge Demo Showcase
with special appearance by Jessica Ho
Contact Akim for info on Experimental workshops /Private classes.
Akim Funk Buddha is the Experimental judge at HOUSE DANCE INTERNATIONAL
Categories include: House, Waacking, Vogue, Experimental
HDI July 15th 2017
NYC Teatro Latea: 107 Suffolk Street 2nd Floor between Rivington and Delancey.
Judge Demo Showcase
with special appearance by Jessica Ho
Contact Akim for info on Experimental workshops /Private classes.
HDI Judge Demo: Akim Funk Buddha with principal dancer Jessica Ho (above)
FUNK BUDDHA / BONSAI LAB
New York Dance Parade
Annual show
May 19th, 2017
New York Dance Parade
Annual show
May 19th, 2017
INSITU SITE-SPECIFIC DANCE FESTIVAL 2017
OKEECHOBEE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Akim Funk Buddha's Urban Orchestra with members from the Bonsai Lab Experimental dance school spent a weekend at the annual Okeechobee Music festival, where they led a procession to open up the festival and gave nightly performances at the Tea Lab. See Akim's group at second half of clip above.
Akim Funk Buddha's Urban Orchestra with members from the Bonsai Lab Experimental dance school spent a weekend at the annual Okeechobee Music festival, where they led a procession to open up the festival and gave nightly performances at the Tea Lab. See Akim's group at second half of clip above.
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BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDENS SAKURA MATSURI 2017
Akim Funk Buddha's annual performance at the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival 2017 and Parasol Society fashion show with the J Music Ensemble.
Akim Funk Buddha's annual performance at the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival 2017 and Parasol Society fashion show with the J Music Ensemble.
Photography by Suzi Samuel
BAM CAFE HIP HOP HOLIDAY SHOW
Dancer, beatboxer, and all-around hip-hop visionary Akim Funk Buddha returns to BAM cafè for two genre-busting, cross-cultural evenings of music and dance. Having toured with legendary choreographer Bill T. Jones’ dance company, Akim draws on everything from martial arts and circus acrobatics to Mongolian throat singing and Balinese monkey chanting to completely reinvent hip-hop.
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November 25, 2016 from 9pm to 10:30pm
"Akim Funk Buddha hip hop holiday" - Night 1
GOLD SCHOOL - Zimbabwe legit reunion
The Brothers from the Mother, provide a high energy, multi-dimensional live show that highlights various hip hop elements including emceeing, dance and beatboxing and incorporates a musical soundscape that seamlessly blends gritty beats with elements of African rhythms, jazz and funk. Not your typical rap show, their performances are more of a hip hop cultural immersion and invocation of the spirit that the founders intended. Their sound retains the roots of a golden age from whence it emanated while still remaining current if not ahead of its time.
Featuring
Akim Funk Buddha
Dumi Right
DJ TONY TOUCH
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November 26, 2016 from 9pm to 10:30pm
"Akim Funk Buddha hip hop holiday" - Night 2
URBAN ORCHESTRA
Dancer, beatboxer, and all-around hip-hop visionary Akim Funk Buddha returns to BAMcafé for two genre-busting, cross-cultural evenings of music and dance. Having toured with legendary choreographer Bill T. Jones’ dance company, Akim draws on everything from martial arts and circus acrobatics to Mongolian throat singing and Balinese monkey chanting to completely reinvent hip-hop.
Special guest the musician YUZU from Japan
http://kimonoyuzu.wixsite.com/yuzu
Many Special Guests
Come early. This show is FREE and the house is always packed!
Dancer, beatboxer, and all-around hip-hop visionary Akim Funk Buddha returns to BAM cafè for two genre-busting, cross-cultural evenings of music and dance. Having toured with legendary choreographer Bill T. Jones’ dance company, Akim draws on everything from martial arts and circus acrobatics to Mongolian throat singing and Balinese monkey chanting to completely reinvent hip-hop.
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November 25, 2016 from 9pm to 10:30pm
"Akim Funk Buddha hip hop holiday" - Night 1
GOLD SCHOOL - Zimbabwe legit reunion
The Brothers from the Mother, provide a high energy, multi-dimensional live show that highlights various hip hop elements including emceeing, dance and beatboxing and incorporates a musical soundscape that seamlessly blends gritty beats with elements of African rhythms, jazz and funk. Not your typical rap show, their performances are more of a hip hop cultural immersion and invocation of the spirit that the founders intended. Their sound retains the roots of a golden age from whence it emanated while still remaining current if not ahead of its time.
Featuring
Akim Funk Buddha
Dumi Right
DJ TONY TOUCH
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November 26, 2016 from 9pm to 10:30pm
"Akim Funk Buddha hip hop holiday" - Night 2
URBAN ORCHESTRA
Dancer, beatboxer, and all-around hip-hop visionary Akim Funk Buddha returns to BAMcafé for two genre-busting, cross-cultural evenings of music and dance. Having toured with legendary choreographer Bill T. Jones’ dance company, Akim draws on everything from martial arts and circus acrobatics to Mongolian throat singing and Balinese monkey chanting to completely reinvent hip-hop.
Special guest the musician YUZU from Japan
http://kimonoyuzu.wixsite.com/yuzu
Many Special Guests
Come early. This show is FREE and the house is always packed!
Vernon Reid Serves Up "Artificial Afrika"