Drop-In West African Drumming

MONDAYS 6:00PM - 8:00 PM
$20/ Session

Let rhythm inspire you. Ongoing Drop-In West African Drumming takes place on Mondays from 6pm to 8pm. Folks at all levels of experience are encouraged to come and drum. Beginners will receive direction from lead facilitator Chimie Bangoura. Some drums are available for drop-ins, but folks are also encouraged to bring their own drums.

Lead Facilitator: Chimie Bangoura (he/him) chimiebangoura1@gmail.com

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Chimie grew up in Matam, the center of drum and dance in Guinea’s capital, Conakry. After completing high school, he moved to the outskirts of Conakry to study with world-renowned drummer, Tonton Soriba Sylla. Chimie studied for eight years as he learned the precision of djembe and doundoun rhythms and techniques. During this time, Chimie worked each year teaching and directing drum classes for foreign students from Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, and Holland. After he completed his studies, he moved back to Matam where he drummed and performed with Percussion de Boka Jr. and studied under Ibrahima “Boka” Camara. He also drummed for the up-and-coming ballet Sourakhata and Ballet Torona du Matoto as he continued drumming for international workshops and dance classes. In 2007, Chimie spent a significant amount of time living and working in Senegal where he played with Ballet Bourgarabou.

Since 2007, Chimie has been living in the United States, teaching drum and dance in Vermont, producing astounding performances, classes, and school residencies. Since his arrival, he has traveled to Boston, Atlanta, Ottawa, and Montreal to work with other Guinean artists. Along with his love for playing djembe, Chimie is a skilled krin and gongoma player with a love for singing, dancing and Guinean popular music.