AFRICA
On this page we keep you updated on what’s going on with our sister group the ‘Bougarabou’ in Saly Portudal, Senegal.
The Bougarabou was home to our main artist, Ansoumana Bakayoko. Hamana go out to Senegal to study and train with the troupe on a regualr basis. Our next trip is in December (click here for details). Here we will post news, photos and info of life in sunny Senegal.
The troupe:
The Bougarabou is a fantastic group comprising the best Guinean, Malian, Ivorian and Senegalese artists…..the dance and music are high powered, complex and bursting with energy. They perform regularly to audiences in nearby hotels and many artists from the troupe are now dispersed around the world, working in America, Japan and Europe. Some of the members still in Africa include:
Petit Mohammed
The lead soloist in the Bougarabou, Petit Mohammed is also a patient and encouraging teacher. An incredibly talented player, his mastery of the art of djembe and Mandeng music will inspire you to new heights in your own playing.
Souleymane Sylla:
Souley is the main sangban player for the group and a highly knowledgeable musician. He is always part of the group we work with when teaching European students.
Abdoulaye ‘Ben’ Diop
Ben is an incredible dancer and talented musician/instrument maker. He too is part of our teaching group, and there are chances to study dance with Ben in our December excursion.
Fatou Camara
The ‘mother’ of all the dancers in the troupe, Fatou is a wonderful dancer, a powerful and explosive style which is truly mesmerising…….
Amadou ‘Jinx’ Djingali
Jinx is a fabulous doundoun player and one of the most patient and gentle teachers we have ever met. He is always part of our team.
Mabinty Camara
Mabinty is a beautiful dancer and patient teacher who manages to convey the subtleties of her art with enthusiasm and grace.
Mabinty Camara
The second Mabinty! Energetic and inspiring, Mabinty teaches with the same qualities that she expresses in her dance.