No instrument is more closely associated with the African continent than the various types of drums and percussion. Drums play an important role in all aspects of African life, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. African drums are played to communicate, celebrate, mourn and inspire. They are played in times of peace and war, of planting and harvesting, of birth and death. During this concert, we will present four different groups from as many countries and traditions. West Africa is represented by the djembe player Moustafa Badji from Senegal and by the percussionists of Cadence Mandingue who perpetuate the tradition of Mamady Keita. Fuyara, for his part, lets the Congolese oblong drums and mbonda do the talking. The breathtaking group Abahizi comes from Rwanda. They play the ingoma, drums covered with animal skin with different sound pitches. Expect surprising dances!

• Moustafa Badji (Senegal)
• Hakili Trio (Guinea Conakry/Be)
• Fuyara (DRC Congo)
• Abahizi (Rwanda)