Grand Masters Tour w/Mamady Keita & Famoudou Konate
Date: June 30, 2010
Grand Masters Tour
Mamady Keita and Famoudou Konate have booked a joint workshop tour for 2011 that will culminate in them co-teaching the Mini guinea workshop in San Diego.
Dates for 2011: Washington DC; May 2 - 8 Atlanta; May 16 -22 Chicago; May 30 - June 5 Mini Guinea San Diego; June 19- July 2
This is a rare opportunity that is being brought to you by Tam Tam Mandingue. Details for these events are still being worked out.
For more information and updates check the Tam Tam Mandingue website at www.ttmusa.org
PREVIOUS GUINEA SHIPMENT
Date: 4/24/10
Mini Guinea Workshop April 25 - May 8
Date: March 30, 2010
The great djembefola Mamady Keita will be teaching a two week djembe course from April 25 through May 8 at Dance Place in San Diego, CA.
Mamady will teach two 2-hour djembe classes in the morning. Typically, this will be an intermediate group followed by an advanced group. The level of each student will be decided by Mamady on the first day of class at 9:30AM April 26th.
In the evening there will be a 2 hour combined levels class, called the Pyramid class. In this part of the workshop, students will learn a performance of rhythms, including complex breaks and techniques, to be performed for the public, Saturday night, May 8th, so please set your flight out of San Diego for some time on Sunday MAY 9th. Saturday May 1st and Sunday May 2nd will be free time for practicing or site seeing. The studio will be open for practicing.
The price for the workshop is $700. More info is available here.
NEW SOLID WOOD CONGAS WITH TRADITIONAL HARDWARE
Date: March 24, 2010
We are extremely proud to introduce our latest innovation; DrumSkull Solid Wood Congas - Traditional Hardware Line! For years we have worked diligently to design a conga series that is worthy of the DrumSkull name. True to our tradition, this new line of congas blends the best of old world and new world techniques, maintaining a unique look while keeping with our high standards for quality. This series has been in the pipeline for a long time now.
Today we celebrate the life of one of our great Bay area elders. Thomas 'Ma Boukaka' Boukaka passed away on Sunday, March 21st in the comfort of his home, surrounded by loved ones.
'Ma Boukaka' was the founder of Bole Bantu, a performing group that plays original music fusing American and Congolese traditions. He taught beginning drum classes - including childrens' classes - for over 30 years in Menlo Park and East Palo Alto, CA. ("Ma" is an honorific given to respected elder teachers).
Ma Boukaka was from the Congo, Brazzaville, in Central Africa. Born in the bush, he grew up between village and town, although Brazzaville was really only a large village at the time. He learned to drum by tapping out rhythms in the jungle with his friends. At 14 he left the village to work as a cook in Brazzaville. He eventually became a "pisteur" (guide, hunter and cook) for a French safari company in Northern Congo and Gabon. There he met Alan Baer, a young American who offered to bring him to the U.S.A. Ma Boukaka accepted and came to the San Francisco Bay Area to work as a cook for Alan's mother. That was in 1959, the year before Congo and much of Central and West Africa gained their independence from the French.
In 1977, together with Malonga Casquelourd, he formed Fua Dia Congo, the Congolese Dance Company of the Bay Area. Since that time, Ma Boukaka performed in many shows produced by the Congolese artistic community. These shows reflected the culture and heritage of Congolese village life, a culture deeply rooted in family and community. Since 1982 he taught beginning drumming at the Congolese Dance & Drum Workshops.
Services will be held on Thursday, April 1st from 6 to 9pm at:
St. John Missionary Baptist Church
1050 Bay Road, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, April 3rd at 11:00am
Friends and family who wish to visit and/or send expressions of love and condolences may contact the family:
THE BOUKAKA FAMILY
1051 ALBERNI ST,
EAST PALO ALTO, CA 94303
(650) 325-1566
FADOUBA OULARE 1935 - 2010
Date: January 27, 2010
Today we learned of the passing of one of the world's greatest djembe masters; Fadouba Oulare. It is with heavy hearts that we relay this message. DrumSkulls would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Fadouba's family and to Fadouba himself as he journeys forward. He will be missed in the greatest way.
Fadouba is known world wide as possibly the single greatest historian of djembe music and culture. He has been extremely influential in the djembe movement in Guinea and has also become well know as a gracious teacher for students worldwide. The gifts that Fadouba has given to his culture and to us as students both directly and inadvertantly are immesurable. Thank you for the blessings of your music and for sharing with us your kind and generous spirit.
Donations to help support Fadouba's family can be made by contacting François Pradelle at palapoula@hotmail.fr
Fadouba is the first djembe player from Guinea to be recognized around the world. Fadouba Oulare was born in 1935 in Felaway, Guinea. At the age of seven, Fadouba began training on djembe with his father Youssouf Oulare. Fadouba grew up playing djembe for folklore and traditional Malinke ceremonies. In 1959, Keita Fodeba, from the ministry of culture, began working with Fadouba to start the first national drum and dance group, Les Ballet Africains. Fadouba was the first lead djembefola of the ballet. After a few years of international tours with the ballet, Fadouba was recruited to perform with the Military Ballet in 1961. He played with this ballet for 20 years. He then returned to his family in Faranah, Guinea where he settled in and began teaching students. Fadouba is survived by three wives, and 34 children.
NEW WIRELESS MIC SYSTEM FOR DJEMBE
Date: November 24, 2009
DrumSkulls now offers what we believe is the finest option available for amplifying your drum. Our new wireless mic system mounts to our special mounting strap and allows you to move freely while the audience hears a crystal clear signal of your drum through a PA system or amplifier. We've researched various mics and wireless systems and we feel this is the finest option available at the most reasonable price.
Sometimes the money isn't there but the perfect drum is!
DrumSkulls have always offered a layaway option however it is not something that we have previously advertised. For years we have suggested to our customers that if you see the item you want, you should act on it. We say this simply because we know, our items sell fast!
Given this, we are more than happy to work with our customers on a payment plan that works well for them. In order to lock in your item before it's gone, DrumSkulls ask for an advance payment of 1/2 down. Once an advance has been placed we will then further work out a plan for future payments. We handle each layaway on a case by case basis and do everything we can to make it a comfortable transaction for our customers.
For more information or to place a layaway order, please contact us direct. We are always happy to work with our customers given any situtaion. Believe me...we've been there!
PREVIOUS GUINEA SHIPMENT
Date: August 13, 2009
PREVIOUS MALI SHIPMENT
Date: July 28, 2009
CUSTOM DJEMBE METAL WORK!
Drumskull Drums is proud to announce our new partnership with Grant Gordon, founder of Djembekan Jewelry. As the sole retail outlet for Grant’s custom djembe metal work, DSD will now be offering these elaborate djembe decorations to the public! Grant’s work has been made famous due to the elaborate work he has done on Mamady Keita’s personal drums. Grant’s metal work is extremely original and highly sought after. These decorations have raised the bar of djembe customization.
Grant’s custom metal work is now available on our own specially selected line of DrumSkull djembes. This same service is available to our customers on any pre-owned djembe as well. These are available in gold or silver, with various shapes of studs and tacks including triangle or rectangle. All of these drums will also come with a rubber bottom, making the ultimate in djembe upgrades.
CHECK OUT THIS CUSTOM BUILD!
These beautiful drums are currently on tour with an Italian drum troupe somewhere in Italy. Enjoy them guys!
AN EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOM BUILD!
Check out our latest custom build! The shell was custom carved by our guys in Mali from one solid piece of lenke wood. This is a one-of-a-kind!
ABDOULAYE DIAKITE UPDATE...NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED!
We are happy to announce that we have now launched a specific website for updates on Abdoulaye Diakite's medical situation. The website is being updated and maintained by Abdoulaye's good friend, student and housemate Jesse Servin. The website can be found at www.abdoulayeupdate.com
In addition, a fund (Abdoulaye Diakite Fund) has also been set in place for donations via Wells Fargo Bank. Thank you to all who trusted us enough to donate directly to DSD prior to establishing this account. All donation have now been deposited into his account and are being managed by his family and close friends.
Some back ground on our teacher. Without Abdoulaye, we'd never be doing what we're doing!
Massengo Massengo Constant has performed for over fifteen years as a soloist drummer with both the Ballet National de Jeunesse and the Congolese National Dance Company. He has toured worldwide and is presently lead drummer of Fua Dia Congo and choreographer of Kizingu Dance Company and Ballet Maba. Massengo currently teaches drum classes throughout the Bay Area. His CD Massengo pulses with authentic world beats, combining transcendent drums, kalimba, bells, xylophone, and vocals.
Bolokada Conde Bolokada Conde played djembe before he could walk. Born in Kissidougou, Guinée, he was called to Conakry by Les Percussions de Guinée as a Premiere Soloist. Bolokada is renowned in his region and in Conakry as a master folklorist, and was honored by a gift of land by the Mayor of Kissidougou. For years he toured the US and internationally with Les Percussions de Guinée and gained a worldwide reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic djembe players alive. He has released two CDs, and is featured on the IMAX movie "Pulse: a STOMP Odyssey". Bolokada is currently the Musical Director and Premiere Soloist for Les Percussions Malinke.
Abdoul Doumbia Abdoul Doumbia was born and raised in Mali, immersed in the ancient musical and cultural traditions of this West African nation. He was called to the drum at the age of 5 and completed a 16-year apprenticeship under Master Drummer Moriba Keita. Abdoul worked with a number of professional dance/drum companies in Mali, including serving as lead drummer for the renowned traditional drumming and dance troupe, Babemba, for 9 years. He was also chosen as the representative of his region for 8 consecutive years for the National Drum Festival of Mali. Abdoul was brought to the United States in 1991 by Brown University. He moved to Boulder, Colorado in 1998 where he lives with his wife Katrina and 2 sons. Abdoul teaches and performs regularly across the United States, and also organizes cultural tours to Mali on a regular basis.
Alisco Diabate Aly "Alisco" Diabate was born in Conakry, Guinea. He comes from a Djeli family of storytellers, historians and musicians. A master dundun and sangban player, he has toured internationally and played with Les Ballets Africains, Les Merveilles d'Afrique & Ballets Soleil. Aly travels throughout the United States and Canada performing, teaching workshops and master classes.
Isaac Allotey Isaac Allotey (The African Lion) initated the group "DZA OYA LOGOR" in the year 2002, after he won the National Dance Championship of Ghana. He started by gathering all the regional dance champions in to one group and name it "DZA OYA LOGOR" dance group, meaning "you cannot penetrate, unless you pass behind it."
Bolokada Conde Bolokada's site, with news and upcoming events.
Drum and Dance Scenes
Fabe Productions Fabe Productions, is founded by Maria E. Pino a Toronto-based djembe/doun drummer who has been learning and playing music from Guinea, West Africa for over 12 years. Locally, Maria has been involved in the drumming scene in Toronto through various performance groups, such as; Group Soume, Ijo Vudu Dance Comapny, Aya Dance Collective, Bolokelen, Roots Drummers and also worked with Drum Cafe and a variety of local community groups.
She has trained with great masters from the region, such as; Famadou Konate, Mamady Keita, Mohamed Diaby, Yamoussa Camara and M'Bemba Bangoura.
After travelling to Guinea, it was clear to see the beauty and diversity of such an amazing place. Guinea is one of the poorest places in the world with the richest culture and musical talent in the world.
Rhythm is life in Guinea.
The 418 Project This is our home base in Santa Cruz. The schedule is always changing, but there are always at least 5 West African dance classes happening per week.
Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts One of the best centers for West Africa, Congolese and Brazilian Drum and Dance. Originally the "Alice Arts Center," it has recently been renamed to reflect the respect and love that the drum and dance community has for one of our greatest teachers Malonga Casquelourd.
BrasArte/ World Dance Center Owned and operated by Conceiçäo Damasceno, World Dance Center is both a Brazilian cultural center and a dance studio. Bay Area residents can take advantage of the many Brazilian and Afro-Brazilian dance classes taught every week by Damasceno and other native teaches from Brazil. Dance classes are both a physically invigorating and a culturally rich experience, incorporating indigenous, African and Portuguese influences.
World Dance Center also offers many classes from diverse cultures, for both adults and children. Classes run on an ongoing basis, so new comers can jump in any time. Check our class schedule for details on classes that are for children or for adults geared for all levels, beginners or intermediate/advanced students. é
WADaBo - West African Dance in Boston These guys in Boston are doing it right. They've got a great West African Drum and Dance scene going on. Check them out if you're in the area.
Djembe Brazil We love these Brazilian fanatics! It's great to see the influence this music is having everywhere.
West African Drum and Dance - Vermont This is the site of a good freind of ours that study under our same teacher, Abdouli Diakite. Some good resources here on Abdouli and the Vermont scene.
Santa Cruz African Drum and Dance This list is for Santa Cruz African drum and dance enthusiasts interested in class schedules, performances, and drum and dance tours to West Africa.
Eric Charry - Djembe Article Eric Charry has put together some of the best anthropological documentation on the history and music of West Africa. Here is a short excerpt from his writings. Check out his book Mande Music.
Abaraka Music This site has been launched by some good friends of ours. They are dedicated to supporting some of the greatest artists of Guinea. We are proud to be a distributor of their products.
Rootsy Records Rootsy Records was founded in 1999 by Jeremy Chevrier and Abdoulaye Diakite with the intention of recording and archiving traditional djembe music for the future.
Middle Path Media MPM represents artists, musicians who are recognized as masters of their art at home and abroad. They personally travel the globe to places like Guinea and Mali in West Africa, and Cuba, Haiti and Puerto Rico in the Caribbean to work with and document people in their homeland. This helps them convey as authentically as possible the cultures and circumstances in which these artists live and create. They work collaboratively with many of the artists, and together they create media that is accurate and informative as well as pleasing to the senses.
Our Friends
Capitola Design Thanks to Troy and Kathleen at Capitola Design for building our website and constantly fielding our never ending questions!
Zulu Connection Zulu Connection, one of USA's finest and most popular performing arts companies, was born in the capital of music and culture; New Orleans, Louisiana. Masters of the African form of stiltdancing and ancient mystical masquerades, Zulu Connection spellbinds its audiences with colorful and elaborate costumes, tremendous heights, extraordinary acrobatics and magnificent dance moves. The highly rhythmic music that accompanies each performance has been characterized as captivating and invigorating, pushing most audience members to get up and dance. In the course of a concert the program entertains, but educates as well on African customs, history, musical instruments, masquerades and legends, dispelling common held myths
AfroFlow This is not Hip-hop music. This is not Rap music. We rush 2 call it 1 or the other every time some1 speaks rhythmically over a beat, even 4 1 second. Then the debate 2 distinguish real “Hip-hop” from “Rap” begins without end or collective agreement.
Spirit Drumz Founded by Afia Walking Tree, Spirit Drumz utilizes drumz of the African Diaspora as essential tools for healing and liberation. Spirit Drumz fosters empowerment and activism through creative, expressive, performance arts and earth-based spirituality.
