Our Teachers
All members of Drumroots and Tanante train in West Africa with Master Drummers.  Returning to the source of original knowledge is vital to our progression and success as performers and teachers.  We continue to grow by what we learn from our experiences of African culture and heritage.

Seckou Keita
In 2006 Tanate met with Seckou Keita, an internationally respected African Master Drummer resident in the UK, who extended the invitation for us to become his students in 2007. A short bibliography of Seckou follows:

Born in Senegal, Seckou Keita grew up playing percussion and kora (African harp) whilst learning traditional songs as a member of the noted Cissokho griot family. His international career began in Norway under the guidance of his uncle Solo Cissokho, collaborating with Cuban and Scandinavian musicians, and later working with Indian violinist Dr L Subrimanium.  Relocating to the UK in 1998, Seckou joined acclaimed world music group Baka Beyond, contributing to their 'East To West' album. As a solo artist,he released 'Baiyo' (2001 - reissued as Mali), supported Youssou N'Dour and Salif Keita, and remains in high demand at Womad, Glastonburyand other international world music festivals. Nominated for a BBC Radio 3 World Music Award, his next tour with Jalikunda (members of the Cissokho family) in 2003 resulted in 'Lindiane'.  Seckou now focuses on The Seckou Keita Quartet, an ensemble blending European and African instruments.  The debut 'Acoustic Vibes' (2004) and UKtour as part of the Heatwave Showcase in 2005 was followed by 'Afro-Mandinka Soul: Tama-Silo' (2006).  Seckou Keita has also recently contributed to Mamady Keita album and DVD 'Live at Couleurs Cafe' (2005,with SewaKan). For more details, visit www.seckoukeita.com

Training with Seckou Keita was
a great opportunity for Drumroots and Tanante...

Supported by a grant from
The Arts Council, we continue to develop...:

• as individual artists improving technique, skills and stamina
• as a group diversifying and strengthening our ability to perform a repertoire of diverse material from the tradition
• as artists within a tradition, gaining a deeper understanding of West African arts, enabling us to perform with authenticity and confidence
• as performers increasing the quality and standard of West African performance in the UK
• as teachers operating within diverse communities, passing our knowledge onto our students and workshop participants

Babacar Jatta
In 2001 a member of Tanante met Babacar Jatta.  Although not born into the tradition, he is a skilled player and teacher, who has since taught many members of Tanante in The Gambia. A short bibliograpghy of Babacar follows:
 

Born in Ziguinchor, Casamance, Babacar started playing djembe aged 21.  He began training in Diana, near Abene where his energy and enthusiasm for the music enabled him to progress rapidly.  Later Babacar moved to The Gambia, to continue his studies with Akasa, a Guinean Master Drummer.  In the years that followed, he played with many drumming troupes, including The Kanilia Band (with Sens, Tanante's dancer and singer).  Babacar now lives in Serrakunda, The Gambia, where he plays and teaches many overseas students.