Abdullatif Bell Tounkara

San Joaquin Valley Fresno County African/African-American Music African American

Abdullatif Bell Tounkara is an African-American drummer, storyteller, artist, performer, and teacher. He incorporates visual arts, dance, music, storytelling, and theater into his work, educating and engaging all cultures and ages about African cultures and art. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a K-12 teaching credential. Abdullatif has performed internationally with ElHajj Malik Shabazz International tour, National Theatre, Lagos, Nigeria and was one of the 100 drummers in the World Drum for Peace Parade at the National Black Arts Festival, Atlanta, GA. In California, Tounkara has performed throughout the Central Valley, the Northern Bay Area, and Southern California. When available, he still performs with Diamano Coura West African Dance Company based in Oakland.

Abdullatif has been an ACTA Teaching Artist since 2016, offering courses in African Djembe drumming at Avenal State Prison, California State Prison Corcoran, Pleasant Valley State Prison, Valley State Prison, and the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility. 

Step inside one of Abdullatif’s classes by listening to his video in our Engaging Tradition series, “African Djembe Drumming.”