Mamady Keïta

Mamady Keïta was a world-renowned master of the djembe, a traditional West African hand drum. Born in 1950 in Balandugu, Guinea, Mamady was initiated into drumming at a young age and eventually became the lead soloist of the National Ballet of Guinea. His exceptional skill and passionate playing helped bring the djembe to international prominence. Over the years, he shared his deep knowledge of traditional Malinké rhythms through performances, recordings, and teaching, profoundly influencing the global drumming community.

Beyond his career as a performer, Keïta was also a dedicated teacher and author, founding Tam Tam Mandingue, a global school of djembe, to preserve and pass on the cultural traditions of Manding percussion. With releases like "Afo," "Balandugu Kan," and "My Life for the Djembe," Mamady Keïta celebrated and innovated within the lineage of African drumming. He passed away in 2021, but his legacy continues to resonate through those he taught and inspired.