West African Drum and Dance Weekend

May 17 - 19 2024

Sponsored by RDE

In partnership with Montana Language Services

Scroll down to sign up for classes and read Ibro and Windship’s full bios

IBRAHIMA ‘IBRO’ DIOUBATE
Traditional West African Percussionist
(Guinea Conakry/Senegal)

Featured artist with AfricaNashville’s Yeli Ensemble, Ibrahima ‘Ibro’ Dioubate was raised as a Djeli (also called a griot) , a ‘living archive’ of the West African people’s traditions. He grew up in Conakry, Guinea’s capital city where he learned music from his family and community from birth as his parents had. Djelis are recognized as keepers of knowledge that has been passed down through countless generations. At the age of 14 he toured to Senegal with a troupe and decided to stay, becoming an immigrant at a very young age. Life was very difficult, but he persevered and became one of the finest djembefolas of his generation representing Guinea culture in Senegal. Invited by AfricaNashville in January 2023, Ibro is now based in Nashville. He has performed over 40 shows and participated in over 70 classes since his arrival and now represents Guinea culture in Tennessee. 

WINDSHIP BOYD
Franco-American Dancer/Choreographer/Drummer
(Nashville/Lyon)

Born in France of American parents, Windship grew up in the US. Initially a professional ballet dancer she moved to France where created her company Itchy Feet. She was the choreographer in residence in her city Vaulx en Velin and choreographed for Lyon’s Biennale de la Danse for 7 seasons. During her time in France, she also worked extensively in West Africa.  Since she received a grant from UNESCO in 2004, she has toured, taught, choreographed and learned dances in Senegal, Burkina Faso and Guinea. Back in Nashville, she continues to exchange, create works and take people over to West Africa to discover dance and music. She co-founded AfricaNashville with the saxophone player Jeff Coffin. Today she manages the company, teaches and performs with them.