Namunyi Faré

A production created and directed by Master West African Percussionist and Bramaya West African Drum and Dance Ensemble's Artistic Director, Aboubacar Sylla.

Namunyi Faré — means “Traditional Music” in Susu, is an original performance created and directed by Aboubacar Sylla that traces the extraordinary journey of African music across oceans and time arriving now in Austin, Texas , through the hearts of master artists from Africa and the African Diaspora.

From the ancient rhythms of Africa to the stages of Austin, Texas — the rhythms of Africa have traveled and transformed into something new taking root in new soil, while never losing its source.

"Namunyi Faré" is the story of that journey. It is the story of people from different places, different cultures and different traditions discovering that they share a rhythm, a tempo, a way of speaking without words. How even through all the differences, music is a shared language.

Featuring the dances, songs, and music of master artists from Guinea, Zimbabwe, and Ivory Coast alongside Austin Samba and Tambores Pal Pueblo local to Austin, this performance is a celebration of how music connects us across cultures, languages, and borders.

Artists/Performers Lineup

Music

Abou Sylla (New Hampshire) - Balafon -Guinea

Mohamed “Bako” Camara (New Mexico) - Drummer- Guinea

Soriba Fofana (New Mexico) - Drummer- Guinea

Napoleon Jambwa - (Florida) - Drummer/musician - Zimbabwe

Nfali Drame (New Mexico) - Drummer/Acrobat - Guinea

Dance

Ismael Kouyate (New Jersey) - Guinea

Rujeko Sarah Dumbutshena (Florida) -Zimbabwe

Napoleon Jambwa - (Florida) - Zimbabwe

Austin locals

Aboubacar Sylla - Multi-percussionist - Guinea

Mohamed Sylla - Guinea - Drummer- Guinea

Alseny Sylla - Guinea - Drummer- Guinea

Jean Claude Lessou - Dancer - Ivory Coast

Mami Camara - Dancer-Guinea

Aicha Conde - Dancer - Singer- Guinea

African Diaspora:

Austin Samba - Brazilian Samba

Tambores del Pueblo - Puerto Rican Bomba

The LIVE performances:

OPENING NIGHT PERFORMANCE on Friday, November 6

SATURDAY NIGHT PERFORMANCE on Saturday, November 7

Friday and Saturday night’s performances each tell the story of Namunyi Faré in their own way — no two nights are the same. We invite you to join us both nights for the full Africa to Austin experience.