If you’re looking for something to bring a bit of joy and light into your life in these cold and dark, wintry days, then look no further! Our good friend and world-renowned djembe master and Griot musician, Sidiki Dembele, has a new website that is bursting with his positive energy! You can watch videos of his explosive performances, sign up for online djembe lessons, buy merchandise and even think about booking the holiday of a lifetime to the Ivory Coast…
We first came across Sidiki when we went to watch a performance of the Afrika Afrika show in Manchester in 2009. Although we were wowed by his playing, we did not really know who Sidiki was until, a few months later, we received an email from Sidiki’s wife. She told us that he had decided to settle in Manchester and was looking to connect with other people in the area who were interested in West African music.So, we invited him to play djembe with us at our next performance at Drum Music, a well-known club night in Manchester. (See pic above). He completely blew us away with his talent then, and continues to do so, every time we hear or see him perform.
Since then, both our friendship and our working relationship has grown. Sidiki has appeared as a guest artist with Tanante at many performances, including the World Music Workshop Festival aka Drum camp, and we have worked with him in countless djembe workshops including at Womad festival. Collaborating with Sidiki is always a joy. He is an inspiring musician with a kind and generous spirit. If you haven’t already – go and check him out! https://sidikidjembe.org
