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Abdoul
Doumbia was born and raised in Zambougou, Mali, near
Segu, among the cultural traditions of noble blacksmiths
immersed in the ancient music of the Bamana people. He
was called to the drum at the age of 5 and completed
a 16-year apprenticeship under Master Drummer Moriba
Keita in Bamako. Abdoul worked with a number of
professional dance/drum companies in Mali, including
serving as lead drummer for the renowned traditional
drumming and dance troupe, Babemba, for 9 years. He
was also chosen as the representative of his region
for 8 consecutive years for the National Drum Festival
of Mali. Abdoul immigrated to the United States
in 1991 to teach at Brown University and taught extensively
on the east coast. He moved to Boulder, Colorado
in 1998 where he teaches regular classes, drums for
Djeneba Sako (Mali) and other dance teachers, and performs. Abdoul
teaches and performs regularly across the United States
and Japan, and also organizes drum and dance tours to Mali annually. Abdoul is known for his mastery
of the Bamana djembe and dunun, and is a wealth of information
regarding Mali's rich history.
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DRUM and DANCE TOUR TO MALI
with
Abdoul Doumbia
June 14 – July 5, 2008
Trip Flyer (downloadable)
CLICK HERE
Abdoul
Doumbia invites you to join him for three weeks of learning and adventure
immersed in the rich, vibrant, and ancient culture of Mali, in the heart of West Africa. The trip's home base is Mali's bustling capitol of Bamako. Here you'll be offered two drum and two
dance classes per day with Abdoul and other master drummers and dancers from
the various national troupes. Outside of classes you'll have opportunities arrange
private lessons for djembe, dunun, ngoni, kora, talking drum (tamani), balafon,
singing, and Bambara (Bamanankan) language dance, drum building, to shop at
local marketplaces for traditional arts and crafts, or visit tailor shops to
have clothes made.
At night you
can sample the big-city nightlife at Bamako's many nightclubs, featuring the best of
Mali's flourishing modern music scene. If
their schedules find them in Bamako, you'll have the chance to meet some of
Abdoul's more well-known friends, such as kora-player-extraordinaire Toumani
Diabate, and renowned singers Oumou Sangare, Habib Koite, and Salif Keita. You
will also have the incredible and unique opportunity to experience traditional
Mande ceremonies, and even participate if you so choose.
Included in the trip is a brief get-a-way to Zambougou, Abdoul’s home village. This is a great opportunity to experience
rural Mali living as well as experience a Korejuga performance. You will be
warmly welcomed by Abdoul's family, who are part of the blacksmith (numu) clan
and be invited to observe the ancient craft of blacksmithing, as well as
experience other facets of traditional village life.
LANGUAGE
AND CULTURE The
"lingua franca" of Mali is French. However, many people you will
encounter, especially outside of Bamako, may only speak their native language.
The entire tour will be accompanied by Professor Sekou Camara, professor of
English at Universite Lycee in Bamako, who will act for translator for the
group. Professor Camara is also an expert on many aspects of traditional
culture and history, and will be leading discussions throughout the trip.
PROGRAM
COST / AIRFARE
The program in Mali costs $1800. Each participant is also
responsible for purchasing his or her own airfare to Bamako.
Half of the program cost ($900) is due by June 1st, 2008.
LOGISTICS Classes are geared towards intermediate
or advanced sutdents, but all levels can be accommodated. Room, board, and
program-related travel within Mali are included in the program cost. While
in Bamako, participants will live together in a
villa with running water and electricity. Meals will consist of a simple
breakfast, followed by traditional home-cooked meals at middayand evening.
Abdoul's
experience leading trips in Mali, combined with his own sensitivity to issues
of taravleing abroad, ensure a truly moving, authentic African cultural
experience. He welcomes you to share in the wonders and adventure of his
homeland of Mali.
To make arrangements or inquire further please contact Abdoul Doumbia at (303) 775-7797 or email Nate at yirikan@gmail.com
Deposit checks can be sent to Abdoul Doumbia:
Abdoul Doumbia
4827 Thunderbird Drive, Apt. 11
Boulder, CO 80303
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