The workshop will be divided into two, one hour classes depending on skill level. The class for beginners will be held 5:30-6:30 p.m. followed by an intermediate class for those with some experience from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
This is a very open, inclusive, joyous class as Namory is known for his positive, straightforward teaching method and contagiously happy personality. He travels the world, teaching traditional Guinean rhythms to people of all ages, and is landing here on the MidCoast and teaching at the Camden-Rockport Elementary School earlier in the week, as a part of their annual African Residency for the school’s second graders with dancer Denyse Robinson with support from Youth Arts.
Preregistration for the drum class is mandatory, and can be done by emailing Denyse Robinson at De************@gm***.com. Drums are available to rent for a small fee. Cost for the workshop is $20 for one class, $30 for both, drum rental is $5. All information regarding the class including payment options will be given when registering via email.
Below is a brief biography of Namory Keita.
Namory Keita was born in 1982 in the village of Sangbarala, Guinea. At age 7 he began drumming, becoming the lead drummer for his village in 2006.
Members of his family are well-known drummers. His brothers, Solo Keita, living in Japan, and Nansady Keita, in England, grew up drumming with Namory under the tutelage of his uncle, Famoudou Konate, one of the most famous West African drummers in the world.
Namory recorded his first CD in 2010 named Kolafolo meaning the ‘Beginning of Everything’. He is a featured artist on recordings by Solo Keita, Billy Konate and Diarra Konate to name a few.
As an international teacher and performing artist, Namory has been invited to many places to share his culture including Germany, Poland, France, Canada, and Portugal. Since coming to America in 2010, he has played with Famoudou Konate, Mamady Keita, Bolokada Conde, Moussa Traore, Mamady Kourouma and the list goes on.
Namory plays for the world renowned West African dance teacher Youssouf Koumbassa, the Kouraba Festival in Canada, Cirque Zuma Zuma, ILAP, and many other noted musicians and venues throughout New England and the US and abroad.
Namory Keita, Master Drummer, is a sought after teacher and performer with a unique style and a wealth of traditional knowledge very rare to find outside the villages of Guinea. His resources include not only his wonderful ability to engage any audience but also his relationships with dancers and drummers locally and around the world.
