Visiting Teachers
| MOHAMED BANGOURA - "BangouraKe" | |
 MOHAMED WILL BE HERE IN DECEMBER 2009 HE WILL BE TEACHING ONE DRUM CLASS AND ONE DANCE CLASS AND PERFORMING AT PULSE ON THE 19th STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS | “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 FOR SEVEN DAYS OF BLISS! | 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. |