African Drumming

(Djembe, Kinkinne, Dun Dun, Sangba, Bells)

 

FAMODOU KONATE

One of only a handful of initiated Masters of the Malinké drumming tradition, Famoudou is universally respected as one of the world’s premiere djembe Drum Masters. From 1959 to 1985, Famoudou was the Lead Djembe Soloist for Les Ballets Africains de la République de Guinée.

KARAMBA DIABATE

A Griot of the Malinke people. Karamba’s extensive performing career includes tours, recording and performance with Famoro Kuyatey’s “Kiké”, Fils Rais, Fatala and the Ballet Bagata.

KEMOKO SANO

Les Merveilles, Resident choreographer at Les Ballets Africains from 1987 to 2000.

LAMINE “DIBO” CAMERA

Les Ballets  d’Afrique Noire de Mansour Gueye, Ballet Nimba, Ousmane Kouyate, Alphonse Souma, Norma Claire, and Abdoulaye Camara, Company Forè-Foté School of Drum and Dance.

MABIBA  BAEGNE

Mabiba has worked under the tutelage of Grand Master Djembe players Famoudou Konate and Mamady Keita. Mabiba has toured and performed with both djembe players.  She teamed with Mamady in the famous Zig Zag School of African dancing and drumming in Belgium. 

As a singer she has toured with Salif Keita, Mamady Keita, and Samba Ngo. She appeared on television and radio programs singing with well-known French singer, France Gall.  She is a featured singer on Mamady’s first CD (“Wassolon”) and was a member of Sewa. Kan.

MAMADY KEITA

Le Ballet National Djoliba, performing in West, Central, and East Africa, China, Egypt, Germany, Scandinavia, France, Switzerland, Great Britain, Australia, and the Soviet Union. Keïta decided it was time to go his own way and he established his own percussion school which he called Tam Tam Mandingue, literally “drums of the Manding.” The school rapidly acquired international renown and opened branches in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Japan, the United States and Singapore. In Belgium alone, the school has over 300 students.

MOR THIAM  (AKON’S DAD)

Having played for Freddie Hubbard, Nancy Wilson, B.B. King, and Lester Bowie. Mor Thiam’s professional advice is highly sought on many African projects. He regularly consults for organizations like The Lion King Production, Disney World, City of Atlanta’s Bureau of Cultural Affairs, and the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta.

MOUSSA TREORE

Troupe Babemba, The Ballet National de Mali, Troupe District de Bamako, and Troupe Siwa, director and lead drummer of Troupe Komi Djosse in Bamako, Mali, Djeneba Seck, Molobaly Traore, Za Yousouf, Nanou Coulibaly, Sabou Dorunte and Soumaila Diallo.

PAOLO MATTIOLI

Sting, Lenny Kravitz, Kenny Loggins, Mickey Hart and Babatunde Olatunji.