The best way to learn West African drumming is . . . (surprise) to go to West Africa. In my experience the best teacher to learn from is Famoudou Konate. Mamady Keita is also an excellent teacher with a more standardized approach. Famoudou’s knowledge of the traditional Malinke rhythms is unmatched, and his instruction covers djembe and dunun parts with equal emphasis.
In December-January of 2003-04, I spent a month of study with Famoudou in a group workshop setting; with three weeks at his compound in a neighborhood of Guinea’s capital, Conakry, and a week in the rural village, Sangbarala, where Famoudou grew up amid the rich tradition of drum, dance and song.
Dununba Fo – A Conversa Dos Tambores (with subtitles)
– an excellent introduction to drum culture in Guinea, featuring footage in Sangbarala and Conakry
