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A Few Words About Me
I started learning percussion at the age of 8, I broadened my initial classical druming education with studies of Afro-Cuban and West African percussion. My Afro-Cuban percussion teachers were Martin Verdonk and Nicky Marrero, both ranking among the best Latin percussionists in Central Europe. Special gratitude is given to my teacher in West African percussion Famoudou Konaté (the “Father of the Malinké Djembé”), as well as to Mamady Keita, Mangue Camara and Omar Dioubaté, all of whom were members of the world famous ballets “Les Ballets Africains” and “Djoliba”. I play in the traditional style of the Malinké and Susu (Baga) and extended my studies during several educational tours to West Africa. During 4 years of intensive collaboration with the famous dancer Bebéy Youla (Sewa Kan, Mamady Keita) in the Netherlands and in Belgium, I experienced the complexity of the different rhythms. All rhythms are dances, and no rhythm can live without dance. Furthermore, I founded the Afro ensemble “Tanamu”, which has been internationally awarded in several competitions. Over many years, I played Djembé in the prestigious “Nimba” ensemble. I am also a member of the Latin band “Rhythm And Friends” and the internationally well-known world music band “Lanyi”. For many years now I have worked as a lecturer for African percussion at several institutes of adult education in Germany and the Netherlands.
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