Visiting Teachers
| MOHAMED BANGOURA - "BangouraKe" | |
 MOHAMED BANGOURA | “He is described in Guinea as the man with “Hands of Fire”, “the Lion of Matam”, already regarded by many connoisseurs as one of the best amongst the Master Drummers of this world. His life totally dedicated to the music and his traditions, mesmerizing audiences with his out of this world skills, talent, power and virtuosity. Bangouraké is a true master through initiation and ability.” Mohamed was born in Guinea, West Africa in a village called Bourramya-Koubya. This village is a few hours north of the capital, Conakry. Mohamed stated to play at the age of 5 years old and has always been surrounded by music throughout his life. Mohamed was a member of the international acclaimed “Percussion de Guinee” and other National Ballet Ensembles based in Conakry. Since Mohamed was born, he has been known as Bangourake’, which means “Bangoura Man”. In Guinea he is known by this name. Bangourake’ was born in a Griot Family. It is Griot tradition to carry the African traditional culture through music and song and to pass on the stories of Africa. Playing music, singing and dancing is part of Griot life. Bangourake’ is proud of his heritage and his responsibilities as a Griot. He hopes to carry his tradition and music through his life and share it with people all around the world. Bangourake’ currently resides in Australia where he is constantly sharing his tradition through classes, workshops and performances. |
| CHRIS BERRY | |
 HE WILL BE RUNNING THE BANA KUMA - A DRUM, DANCE, MARIMBA AND SPIRIT CAMP. | Chris Berry is a master of both mbira (thumb piano) and the ngoma drum, from the Shona people of Southern Africa. He has earned the title of gwenyambira (“one whose music calls the spirits”), a distinction reserved only for those who have achieved the highest fusion of the technical and the magical in Shona music. His record sales have reached platinum album sales in Zimbabwe and Mozambique for his work with the band Panjea. Berry was born in California, and at age 18 left for Africa to study music there with his mentor Titos Sompa, with whom Berry had been studying since age 13. After originally arriving in Congo’s Brazzaville, his fascination of Zimbabwean mbira music eventually led him to Zimbabwe’s capital city Harare, where he settled and studied under mbira master Monderek Muchena for ten years. While studying in Zimbabwe, Berry became one of the first Westerners to be accepted among the elder mbira masters as one of their own. “I played for a lot of ceremonies where people would become possessed,” said Berry. “Some of the old ancestors who came back spoke to me through these people: ‘What are you doing here? There are lots of misguided people, lost and confused people, in your country. They’re killing each other there. It’s time for you to take what you’ve learned and bring it to your own country because they need it more than we need it here. That’s your job. You’re the bridge maker.’ ” After over a decade living in Africa, Berry has now settled in America. |
| SALAKA | |
aNEXT WORKSHOP DETAILS: WORKSHOP DATE: One day intensive May 9th 2010 KIDS DRUM: 10am - 10.45am ages 7 - 12 $15/child (drums supplied) DRUM: 11am - 1pm DANCE: 1.15pm - 3.15pm COST: $25 - one class $40 - both classes VENUE: Thomas Dixon Center (cnr Drake Street & Montague Rd, West End, QLD) Drums are available for hire and sale, so even if you've never tried before you are most welcome. asdf  asas  asas  asad  fa as  ssNEXT WORKSHOP DETAILS: WORKSHOP DATE: One day intensive May 9th 2010 KIDS DRUM: 10am - 10.45am ages 7 - 12 $15/child (drums supplied) DRUM: 11am - 1pm DANCE: 1.15pm - 3.15pm COST: $25 - one class $40 - both classes VENUE: Thomas Dixon Center (cnr Drake Street & Montague Rd, West End, QLD) Drums are available for hire and sale, so even if you've never tried before you are most welcome. | Talkin’ the Drum and Dance Roots are proud to announce that Salaka will be hitting Brisbane once again to share their funky moves and grooves - are you ready?!!!? Last year we had a couple of fantastic workshops with the group; much fun was had by all. Not just one teacher, but 5. And these guys are the 'real deal', touring here from Ghana, bringing the magic of African rhythm and dance to our doorstep. All levels welcome, please come and support these guys and yourself!! Special kids workshop also included in the programme - likely to lead to on-going workshops with Talkin' the Drum....... The Salaka Ensemble (previously known as Noko Yedzen) was formed by Master Drummer Tuza in Nungua, Ghana, in the mid 1990's - when the members were still very young teenagers. Whilst Tuza was working and developing his skills with Ghana’s top national cultural troupes, he would devote time every afternoon to training the Salaka members, teaching rhythms learned from local elders and community cultural groups. The name Salaka means "sharing" and the aim of the group was to share traditional knowledge with the younger generation to preserve the rich musical traditions of Ghana. Salaka quickly grew into a professional and exciting display of culture, performing at festivals, funerals and special events in Accra. Salaka have won numerous awards and represented their tribe (Ga people) at various national drumming competitions including “Kiddafest” and “Funworld”. Salaka recently performed for President Kufuor at his castle in the capital of Ghana, and were chosen to lead the performances at Ghana's 50th anniversary independence celebrations at Black Star Square (Ghana's national venue). The Centre for National Culture of Ghana recognises Salaka as a tourde force of their community. Salaka perform and teach for locals and visitors and are proud to pass their knowledge onto the next generation. Many of them are also supporting their parents and extended families through income earned from drumming, making their parents proud. Master Drummer Tuza recently led performances for the Australian Socceroos at Telstra Stadium viewed by over 50,000 people. Tuza has also entertained: BP,American Express, AMP, ANZ, Foxtel, Rebel Sport, Oporto, Wendys, Qantas, Louis Vuitton, Bank West, Oracle and more. Tuza is the lead drummer from his village in Ghana, is recognised by the National Commission for Culture as a leading exponent of traditional African music and has worked with top national cultural groups. Tuza was the lead drummer of The Kusun Ensemble and Wala before starting TheSalaka Ensemble. Sammy was one of Salaka's original members, training in dance since he was a child under the tutelage of Master Drummer Tuza. He has continued to teach and perform with Salaka for the past 15 years and has been a full time performer with Salaka since leaving school. His strength and expertise in his field, and intimate knowledge of his community traditions are valued greatly in the ensemble. He is a dedicated and extremely strong soloist, with great stamina and attention to detail. Odai began drumming with the Nungua Apostolic Church when he was a child. As a teenager he joined Salaka becoming one of its founding members. He has dedicated himself to the ensemble for the past 15 years. Odai has also worked with the Abladei Group (now based in the UK), performing with them locally and was featured on their CD Mobo Bi. Borketey Mensah Tettey (“Mustafa”) started drumming at a very young age with a group called Nyomo Baatso (“God Will Show”), also based in Nungua. From there he moved to another drum troupe called Wassa Africa before moving to Tuza’s group Noko Yedzen later known as The Salaka Ensemble. Mustafa is a drum prodigy, he is known for his natural feel for rhythms and brilliant solo patterns. He is highly regarded in his community and it is commonly assumed he will be one of Ghana’s finest drummers as he matures. Daniel Odai Affotey began dancing with a group called Suorde until that group ended at which time he formed Noko Yedzen with Tuza. He also played for a local band called Adinkra and travelled to neighbouring Burkina Faso with them. He visited America with Kusun in 2007 spending approximately 6 months performing there, gaining excellent teaching experience. He now works solely with The Salaka Ensemble and his spoken English and teaching skills give him the ability to translate the rhythms of his heritage to a Western audience. |