Henri Gaobi

is a Master Drummer from West Africa where for many years he performed with the Ivory Coast National Ballet.  He teaches, performs and records, and plays a wide range of instruments including djembe, doundouba, balafon, and talking drum.  He has dedicated himself since childhood to the traditional drumming patterns of his country, and is one of the finest djembe players in Britain.  He sustains a rhythmic pulse alongside the most complex solo patterns, ensuring the result is a dynamic musical whole.

Examples of Henri’s range of musical work in 2004/5:

* drumming workshops for adults and children together at several community festivals, including Westminster City Council’s Play Days in Paddington Recreation Ground, and Hastings Green Fair.  Teaches African drumming at Westminster Adult Education Service

* directed and performed in KAAGO on the famous African Village Stage at the Burgess Park RISE Festival, the Hastings Sankofa Festival on Hastings Pier, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, British Museum, and Royal Festival Hall Africa Days in London.

*played with the Master Drummers of Africa to packed audiences in the UK and at the Queen Elizabeth Hall London.

* played with Turin Brakes at the London Eye Make Poverty History event

*toured with bands such as Batanai Marimba, Zuria, and Macharangwanda all over the UK, and other parts of Europe.

*supported with music and dance, dozens of events in Black History Month in schools, colleges, community venues, universities, and other public places

*created a welcoming and open environment at events such as conferences, weddings, baptisms, and birthday parties.

Rose Zan Lou

Rose Zan Lou is a Professional West African dancer of highest calibre and she also works as an Artistic Director of Kaago. She trained from a very young age like many generations of women in her family. Aged 16 she became a member of the National Ballet of the Ivory Coast. Her professional repertoire is extensive with performances in the UK, Kenia, Senegal and France. She also specialises in Gouro mask -Zaouli dance and she sings Makosa, Zouglou and Zouk. She is available to teach Children & Young People as well as adults and currently resides in London, UK.

Contact:07932824325

Wanju / Emmanuel the Magnificent

Skilled acrobat, dancer, singer, percussionist and comedian from Ghana. Emmanuel the Magnificent entertains the audiences with stunning balancing acts and acrobatics while the drums keep up the beat.

Diedonne Zamble

Mask-dancer, working in England and Spain, drummer. Former lead dancer in Ballet Girivoire, Ivory Coast

Simon Rowe

Dum Dum player for Kaago, also photographer and graphic artist for Kaago, www.cacaodesign.com/start.htm

Thebe Lipere

Master drummer of Africa, South African, djembe and Ken Kele. Master South African percussionist Thebe Lipere is an innovative experimenter who originally came to fame with Loose Tubes, but is well known as a leader of a variety of pan-African groups and a collaborator with drummer Louis Moholo.

Gaspard Zamble

Gaspard Zamble is the founder and director of Zamble African Dance Company. Gaspard is a highly skilled dance practitioner with over 17 years’ professional experience teaching, choreographing and performing traditional African dance. www.zambledance.org.uk/about.htm

Brema Kano

Stilt dancer from Sierra Leone known as djangaja. Formerly dancing for the National Ballet of Sierra Leone.

Djina Jones

Najat vocalist and songwriter Djina Jones put this line-up together in March 2003, at last fulfilling her dream of fronting a World/roots music band with a blues/rock rhythm section. www.najatmusic.com

Kevin Richards

community musician in South East England running percussion guitar and singing workshops with all ages. Also promoter of African Caribbean music. contact kevrichie62@hotmail.com, or 07961995751

Koko Kanyinda