Legends of West Africa

		Mamady Keita Mamady Keita (Artistic Director) was born in 1950 in Balandugu, Guinea, a small village bordering Mali. The president of Guinea, Sekou Toure created the country’s first national ballet in 1964 and Mamady was one of 5 percussionists chosen from a select group of 50. Mamady played djembe in Ballet Djoliba for some 22 years, eventually becoming the ensemble’s artistic director. Mamady is the founder of Tam Tam Mandingue, an international school of West African percussive arts. Mamady's natural teaching and performance capabilities place him in demand as the premier teacher of the Mandingue percussion tradition. Today Mamady travels the world teaching and performing village artistic traditions as well as growing Tam Tam Mandingue into an institution that will be active for generations to come. Mamady Keita honors the timeless and vibrant musical tradition of his homeland through teachings passed down from the masters of Mandingue music.

		Moustapha Bangoura Moustapha Bangoura (choreographer) hails from the West African nation of Guinea. He is a veteran of the largest and most celebrated dance company in Africa – Les Ballets Africains The internationally acclaimed master dancer and choreographer has traveled the globe bringing the colorful musical performance traditions of his homeland to audiences worldwide. He is recognized for his thorough and charismatic technique that is deeply rooted in tradition. Moustapha’s mission is to continue to share his expertise while preserving the richness and authenticity of the culture. He is sponsored by the Republic of Guinea’s Ministry of Youth and Culture as an official art and cultural ambassador. He travels extensively sharing his knowledge and expertise of traditional dance and drum with students throughout the world.

		Mamoudou Conde Mamoudou Conde (Managing Director) formed World Music Productions Inc. in 1994 to preserve and promote the culture of Africa. Mamoudou’s dedication to the arts has earned him an international reputation of excellence. Paying homage to his cultural heritage, Mamoudou has been recognized and awarded worldwide for his contributions, development, and promotion of African dance and music. Conde has managed the world renowned ensembles Les Ballets Africains, Percussions de Guineé, Les Amazones and Ballet National Djoliba.

		Laura Rich Laura Rich began studying music at age five in Los Angeles, CA, and developed a passion for traditional folk music. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna cum Laude from The University of South Carolina’s Honors College. In 1985 she began studying West African music with Master Artists Sekouba Camara (Ballet Djoliba), Koungbanan Conde’ (Percussion de Guinée) and Moussa Kouyate (L’ensemble Instrumental) in Guinea. She has performed with or managed numerous West African arts organizations. She currently is the Director of One World Music.