Wamali Percussione de Guinee

TESTIMONIAL: We saw this group for the first time in Guinee in 03' and our mouths dropped open. They are incredible and not one company member is over 25 except the very talented artistic director, Sekou Sano (son of Kemoko Sano, longtime choreographer for Les Ballets Africaines and now Merveille in the States).

Their arrangements, choreography and costumes are fresh, innovative and offered a contemporary spin on the traditional songs, dances and rhythms that Guinee has to offer. Our minds were blown by, Mohamed, the 13 year old prodigy djembe player who clearly stole the show. Sadly, we reported in '04, that Mohamed fell ill with a "fever" and quickly passed from this life. Just like that. Gone.

We were curious to see how the group had evolved in his abscence and Lara is pleased to report they are moving forward by leaps and bounds as she observed on her trip on 04'. They continue to hone their live performance and the focus is on djembe, with phenomenal technique, chops and charisma up the wazoo. These guys can play circles around some of the best.

Lara studied privately with Canase, Sory and Sekou from the group. We are committed to assisting these artists! They have stolen our hearts and have proven to be exceptional and driven performers, and incredible teachers - extremely generous with their art.

In 03' Lara designed a website www.wamali.com and t-shirts for them pro-bono, and our friend Anthony at ABTs www.abtees1.com continues to give us a generous break on printing. Our plans for assistance include editing video & audio to create promo material for them that will hopefully generate management interest so they can tour abroad.

Current needs:
1. Financial support for T-shirt printing (in the form of a donation or loan)
2. Financial support for CD recording and duplication projects (in the form of a donation or loan)
3. Webmaster for www.wamali.com
4. Booking/Management/PR for Euro/American tour
5. video editor to create professional promo from digital footage
6. Purchase a fabulous t-shirt, * profits direct to artists *
Email Roots Heart Pulse or Call 877.904.2362
We accept check/money order payable and send to:
ROOTS HEART PULSE, 189 Beaver St, Studio # 307, North Adams, MA 01247.
Be sure to include shipping address and quantity