Ballet Africain Fambondy

Fambondy are an internationally acclaimed dance group who have toured throughout North and West Africa, Europe, America and Asia. This year some of the members of the group will be coming to the UK to perform and deliver workshops in the UK.

The Ballet Africain Fambondy was created in 1989 to promote African and Sengalese culture. The ballet aims to gather young people together to give them a platform to show their talents to the world, and escape the dangers of drug abuse and delinquency. They are also active supporters of the welfare protection of children. 

The group is now highly regarded on the international stage and has collaborated with other dance groups in Europe.

Choreography

Fambondy performs many different styles of dance including Domba and Doundoumba, Econcong and bougarab from Southern Senegal, sabar from the Wolof ethnic groups and yella from the Toucouleur of the north.  The dances are accompanied by the djembe, balafon, coumpo and mask to give a truly authentic performance full of life, colour and passion!

Sengelese bassist, guitarist and vocalist, Seyni Diop fronts his own band Taara.   The band has had a variety of line ups  since it’s beginnings in the mid 90‘s.  These varied flavours are always underpinned by original and vibrant bass lines which drive the music.

After touring and recording in Senegal, they came over for 2 tours in the UK and recorded in both Dakar and London to make the album Lebonne Lippon named after one of the tracks which was written by guitarist Bello Diop, Seyni’s father.  The album is available from the music page and from CD baby.

The band will be performing with members of Ballet Fambondy in October and November 2011.

See the blog page for gig details and dates.

Taara

Tanor Diop

Tanor Diop is a self taught artist who some have likened to an African Picasso.  His paintings are full of depth and life. 

See the Gigs & Events page for his paintings which are on sale, or the AMAD education page for details of workshops.

Taara performing at the National Theatre at  the South Bank dance festival August 2008

Seyni Diop and members of Fambondy on the beach in Dakar, Senegal. Summer 2011