Photo courtesy of the artist.

Kahlil Cummings

West African Traditional Djembe and Dunun

Greater Los Angeles Los Angeles County African/African-American Music

Kahlil Cummings, a Los Angeles native, is an acclaimed drummer, exceptional performer, composer, and educator. Kahlil was recognized as a child prodigy very early; since childhood, he has played with numerous reputable groups including Ballet Folclórico Do Brasil, Sona Sané, Abalayé, Mila Samba School, Inu Olorun, Debbie Allen Dance Company, Les Amazones, and Viver Brasil. Kahlil honed his rhythmic gifts with noted teachers including Mestre Amen Santo, Jose Ricardo Sousa, Kobla Ladzekpo, Esteban “Cha Cha” Bacallao (Ibae), and Sandy Perez.

His studies in Guinea, Brazil and Cuba have helped to widely broaden his knowledge and musical strength. However, he is most profoundly influenced by West African master drummer Mamady Keita, with whom he has studied since the age of 13. Kahlil helped start the group Balandugu Kan, which was sanctioned by Keita as representing “the voice of Balandugu”— the village where Keita was born. His compositions can be heard on his debut album Iniké Baba, recorded live in Guinea, West Africa.

He is a teaching artist in our Art Breaks In program, having taught Afro-Brazilian Percussion in our Reentry workshops.

Apprenticeship Program

2020

Kahlil is working with apprentice Anthony Williams to deepen Anthony’s understanding of the basic rudiments that accompany the Djembe and Dunun drum technique from the Manding tradition. They are focusing on the history, purpose, meaning and rhythmic techniques of four to five rhythms, including traditional improvisation/solo techniques that accent the dance movements for the selected rhythms. Each rhythm will be accompanied by a song and a translation, providing a full experience for each rhythm and technique.

Traditional Arts Development Program

2011

In 2011, Kahlil participated in ACTA’s (retired) Traditional Arts Development Program, which supported a mentorship with masters Mamady Keita and Famoudou Konate, allowing for their travel to Los Angeles to teach a series of Master Djembe/Dunun Workshops. The workshops were presented for Kahlil’s drum and dance group, Balandugu Kan, and were open to the community.

Gallery

Master Djembe/Dunun workshop and performance at Motherland Music in Los Angeles, on July 9, 2011. Photo: LaFonda Jones

Master Djembe/Dunun workshop and performance at Motherland Music in Los Angeles, on July 9, 2011. Left to right: Kahlil Cummings, Famoudou Konate, and Mamady Keita. Photo: LaFonda Jones

Kara Mack Cummings dances as Kahlil Cummings drums.

Master Djembe/Dunun workshop and performance at Motherland Music in Los Angeles, on July 9, 2011. Left to right: Kahlil Cummings and Mamady Keita. Photo: LaFonda Jones.

Master Djembe/Dunun workshop and performance at Motherland Music in Los Angeles, on July 9, 2011. Left to right: Kahlil Cummings, Famoudou Konate, and Mamady Keita. Photo: LaFonda Jones.

Mamady Keita leads a master Djembe/Dunun workshop and performance at Motherland Music in Los Angeles, on July 9, 2011. Photo: LaFonda Jones.

Workshop and performance at Motherland Music in Los Angeles, on July 9, 2011. Left to right: Kahlil Cummings, Famoudou Konate, and Mamady Keita. Photo: LaFonda Jones