Dance to drum beat

From the plucking of the stringed instrument the kora, to the rhythmic pounding of the djembe, West African music has a deep and rich history.

Locals can soon travel to the nation of Guinea in a special performance at Vernon’s Knox Presbyterian Church Saturday, Nov. 14.

Organized by Dancing Hands Productions and local drummer Robin Ritchie, the drumming and dancing concert features Naby Camara, Kocassale Dioubate and N’nato Camara, three West African griots now living in B.C.

A griot or djeli is a poet, praise singer and/or wandering musician hailing from the various nations of West Africa, including Guinea, Gambia and Mali.

N’nato Camara is a professional dancer from Conakry, Guinea, who before moving to Canada, was the principal dancer with Baille Taille and soloist for Les Ballet Africans, two of West Africa’s most respected traditional groups.

Naby Camara is a Juno award-winning percussionist from the African Guitar Summit, and the legendary National Ensemble of the Republic of Guinea. His talents are not only balafon and djembe, but he is a skillful teacher as well.

Dioubate has played music professionally all over West Africa as head drummer for Ballet Kaloum Lole in Guinea, where he was named best male artist in 2001, and soloist for Ballet Bougarabou in Senegal.

The griots will perform along with special guest Bobby Bovenzi, and opening act the Harambee West African Drum and Dance Troupe, featuring members from Vernon, Grindrod and Salmon Arm.

Doors to Saturday’s concert open at 7 p.m. and the show runs from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $10 for students, seniors and the unemployed, available only at the door.

Workshops with the drummers and dancers will be held earlier that day at the Inner Light Yoga Studio in Vernon. Contact Ritchie at 250-545-9121 or e-mail drummer-am-i@hotmail for more information.

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