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Madiou Diouf playing a Djembe solo. Photo: Courtesy of the artist.
Madiou Diouf
Madiou Diouf of Oakland, is a Sound Engineer and Musical Director for the Diamano Coura West African Dance Company. His journey in the world of music and sound engineering is a testament to the rich tapestry of cultural influences that shape an artist’s craft. Born into a family where artistic excellence is the norm, his multicultural background provided him with a unique perspective on music and performance playing many instruments from djembe, kutiro, dundun, log drum, bells, ngoma,sasa, which he has honed over the years through dedication and passion. His work demonstrates his commitment to preserving and promoting African culture through music and dance.
Apprenticeship Program
2024
Madiou will be teaching Ababacar through the origin, construction and history of the drums, the rhythms they produce and their importance to African dance in general, and the specific dances. Ababacar will learn the independent and complimentary roles of the drums and their complex patterns in rhythmic compositions. Following the introduction of the drums, Ababacar learns basic movements and how the rhythms produced by the drums carry the dancer. As Ababacar learns each new dance, he must also learn to sing drum patterns in unison and understand the emphasis rhythm places on various movements.