Rochester’s only PanAfrican performing group, Mounafanyi Percussion and Dance Ensemble features musicians and dancers from Guinea, Ghana, the Congo, the Ivory Coast, and the United States. Our drummers bring audiences the vibrant rhythms of West Africa’s iconic djembe hand drum, supported by a trio of drums known as dunun, sangban, and kenkeni. Putting rhythm into motion, Mounafanyi’s dancers embody the evolving creative spirit of Africa and the African diaspora. Under the leadership of our artistic director, Kerfala “Fana” Bangoura, our performances weave incredible drumming sequences together with high-energy dance, creating a spectacular tapestry of movement and sound.
Artistic Director Kerfala “Fana” Bangoura, a long-time member of Guinea’s most prestigious national performing groups, Les Ballets Africains and Les Percussions de Guinée, was named Master Drummer by Guinea’s Ministry of Culture in 2008. He has many years of experience performing and teaching throughout West Africa and the United States. In recognition of his work, he has received a grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council of Portland, OR. In addition to his work with Mounafanyi, he currently teaches drumming and dance at the University of Rochester.
For Bookings, Classes, and Information Email kerfala.bangoura@gmail.com
Join Fana in Guinea December 27, 2016-January 16, 2017
Experience Guinea with Fana Bangoura
Fana will lead this exploration in Dance, Drumming and Historical Context. Fana is a native of Guinea and has been a part of prestigious National companies Les Ballets Africains and Percussion de Guinee. The instruction will include rhythmic foundations for drummers and dancers. Knowledge of the djembe, dundun, sangban, kenkeni, krin, bell and how they are used culturally for music and dance. Students will learn style, form, technique, and historical context of the dance.
Daily Schedule
Monday-Friday
7am-9am Breakfast
9:30am-11am Drum Class
11:15am-12:45pm Dance Class
1pm-3pm Lunch
3pm-4:30pm Dance Class
4:45pm-6:15pm Drum Class
7:00pm Dinner
After dinner students will have opportunity to relax, practice, and learn traditions, song and instruments.
Saturday and Sunday Schedule will include 3 hours of instruction (Saturday) Time will be allotted for rest and visits to local markets for shopping, tailors, and instrument makers. We will also go see local groups perform in Conakry, visit ceremonies and travel to the nearby islands of Soro or Roume.
There will also be a closing celebration and dundunba during the last two days of the trip to close this amazing experience!