As part of Diversity Week 2008, Marcos Napa, a native of Lima, Peru, will bring a program of Afro-Peruvian music and dance to Lyon College on Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 7:30 p.m. in Holloway Theatre.

Napa, a percussionist and dancer, is artistic director of Pachamama Peruvian Arts, organized by the Center for Traditional Music and Dance of New York. He is also an instructor of Afro-Peruvian dances. He was a dancer and percussionist with the famed Ballet Peru Negro for many years.

Marcos Augusto Napa Ormeno has spent most of his  life as a professional artist, dedicated to Afro-Peruvian music and dance. Since childhood, he grew as a dancer in the Ballet Peru Negrito; years later, in 1983, he made his debut as a professional percussionist in Ballet Peru Negro.

Marcos has traveled all over Peru with Peru Negro. In addition, he has participated in international festivals such as Festival Cervantino in Guanajuato, Mexico. As a percussionist and first cajon player, he has visited a number of the countries including Martinique, Panama and Chile.

After a brilliant career with Ballet Peru Negro, Marcos became a member of the group of musicians that accompanied the Peruvian singer Eva Ayllon in many concerts at the national and international level. In addition, between 1993 and 1997, he took part in three recording and video-taping productions called "Gracias a la Vida," "Para Tenerte" and "25 anos 25 exitos."

As a dancer, in 1995 he founded in Peru the "Ebano Academy" for children and adults. Three years later, he traveled to the United States to continue spreading the rich Afro-Peruvian heritage. In Miami, he joined the ballet "Asi’ es mi Peru" as an instructor of Afro-Peruvian dances. He later traveled to New Jersey and in 2003 opened his Ebano Academy in Paterson. Residing in New Jersey, he has conducted workshops in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey.