The Algona Upper Des Moines
Music beats in his heart |
| The rhythms of Africa will pulsate in the hearts of concert-goers Saturday, June 14, at the performance of Madou Dembele and Super Yankadi in Algona. |
| The drums of West Africa are present with the people through all events of their lives - births, marriages, successful harvests, celebrations, mourning and death. Uttering no words, they are able to express emotion with their skillful hands. Madou Dembele was born in Mali and grew up in Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast); he is a member of the Bamana tribe. As a young child, Dembele knew that he was meant to be a drummer just like his grandfather, a Shaman. He spent most of his childhood learning the intricate West African rhythms from the old masters, always with the spirit of his grandfather to guide him, Dembele said. "To really play well you must be close to the old people and respect them, and they will give you the power to play," he said. He continued his studies with masters of the djembe, like Sekuba and Seku Tanaka des Cobra des Mandingues. Soon he was sought after as a soloist, and he performed with such singers as Vanessa Daou, Koumba Sekuta and Koumba Sidibe. He formed his own group - Super Yankadi, named after a Malinke rhythm - and toured with Werewere Liking and her group, Ki Yi M'Bock. He came to the United States in 1995. In the summer of 1996, his performance with Baba Olatunji thrilled audiences at the Guggenheim's "Africa: the Art of a Continent" exhibition. Beginning in the Ivory Coast, Dembele has continued his mentoring of individual students in the United States. The Algona audience will be treated to more than great music - they will have insight into the West African culture. They will be swept up by the drummers' slaps, which will intertwine and combine to form rhythms never-before heard here. Admission is $2 at the door of the VFW in Algona. The concert will be 8-11:30 p.m., Saturday, June 14. The performance is funded by the Haggard-Twogood Trust. For a more hands-on experience, Dembele and Super Yankadi will also attend the drum class at "Hiltop Farm," located on U.S. Highway 169 S, kitty-corner from Prime Time. Classes run 1-2:30 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per person. |
