Holy Goat Percussion is honored to sponsor Master Drummer Mamady for a weekend of djembe workshops. Mamady Keita is one of only a few living Grand Masters on the djembe drum in the world. 

An Initiated Master of the Malinke Djembe tradition, he is devoted to preserving the tradition of the djembe for all ethnic groups who can be traced back to its origins (e.g., Malinke, Baga, Sousou, Baole, Gerze, etc). A 26-year veteran of Guinea, West Africa's National Ballet Djoliba--its lead drummer and the first percussionist to become its Artistic Director, he founded percussion schools (Tam Tam Mandingues) in Europe, Japan and the USA. 

A recording artist with 7 classic CDs, he is the subject of 4 documentary films, 3 instructional videos, and the co-author of a book on djembe rhythms which includes exhaustive writing on the tradition and culture of this incredible instrument. To get these videos and his fabulous book click here.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn the authentic djembe tradition from a Master Drummer born in the culture. Not just an incredible djembefola, Mamady is a clear and patient teacher of djembe accompaniments, dundun parts and solo techniques, as well as the ethnicity, history and purpose of each rhythm. His style of teaching clears up confusion about timing, handing, arrangements and versions. He truly embodies the spirit, history and joy of the djembe! For a more complete bio on Mamady Keita, click here. 

Mamady will be teaching all djembe parts as well as dounun parts. Audio taping is permitted; no video taping allowed. Please bring your djembe and or dounun(s). If you do not have a djembe drum, rentals are available for $5 (please phone ahead to reserve your rental djembe).

To preregister, get directions, or if you have any questions, please call 708-763-8633 or email Taylor@holygoat.com.

Registration form will be available online as soon as the US tour dates have been established.

The location of the workshops:

Cornerstone Church - 171 N. Cuyer in Oak Park
(10 minutes West from downtown Chicago on I-290)

Rhythm - 1108 W. Randolph in Chicago
(six blocks west of Halsted in the West Loop Gate neighborhood. Please note, Rhythm is a bar, ages 21 and over only, please.)