The musical world is full or parents and offspring that have had successful careers: the Marleys; the Dylans; the Cashes. Heck, there are even three Hank Williamses.

But master West African drummer Madou Dembele comes from a family tree that is much more impressive. Dembele is a 33rd generation jembe player. That means, if my math is correct, Madou's family got started about the same time as the Stones.

Raised in Mali, West Africa, Madou began drumming at age four under the tutelage of his grandfather. His skills were so accomplished that when he was still too small to carry his own drum, a neighbor kidnapped him and took him on a performing tour of several cities.

Madou first came to America in 1995 and has performed with Stevie Wonder and Blue Man Group, recorded with Herbie Hancock and toured with Ziggy Marley. He also conducts classes and workshops throughout the U.S.

The jembe is a short, wide drum that looks like a big bongo or a sawed off conga. The jembe is unique to the tribes of West Africa and, along with the distinctive and indigenous rhythms that are created, have profound tradition there. The jembe is a vital part of everything from the clearing of fields, to the celebrations of marriage and the passing into adulthood, to secret rituals.

Jembes were first carved by numus, a class of professional blacksmiths who also performed circumcisions and excisions.

Following the performance will be a open drum circle jam at 10:30.

- Todd Weber

Super Yankadi featuring Madou Dembele plays the Vaudeville Mews on Jan. 30.

Pointblank-DM January 28, 2004