Sat, Dec 6 · 10:30 AM EST
Saturday Vibes! Want to learn african rhythms?MOHAMED DIABY began playing the djembe in Guinea, West Africa at age seven, who was himself an accomplished djembefola and member of Guinea's national ballet, Ballet Djoliba. By age eleven, Mohamed was lead drummer for Africa Djolé, led by Fodé Yulla. Mohamed later joined Mamoudou Camara’s troupe, Soleil d’Afrique, also as lead drummer. He toured all over West Africa with that troupe, including multiple years spent in Sierra Leone. Kemoko Sano - legendary artistic director of the world-renowned drum and dance ensemble, Les Ballets Africains, and director of his own dance company, Les Merveilles de Guinée - saw Mohamed perform and requested that Mohamed join his troupe. Upon his return to Guinea, Mohamed joined Les Merveilles de Guinée as lead drummer. Shortly after he began training with Les Ballets Africains. Then, in April of 1995, Mohamed arrived in America to play at New York City's Symphony Space. Today, Mohamed travels around New York State, the USA, and the world teaching and performing Guinean drum and dance.
