NIMBAYA! is a daring response to taboos stretching back thousands of years. Never before had women played the djembe in West Africa, the instrument being historically reserved for male players. In 1998, while managing the world-renowned ensemble “Les Percussions de Guinée”, Mamoudou Conde realized the world was ripe for change and decided to create an all-women percussion and dance ensemble. Chosen from among those living in the most difficult conditions - jobless and often with children to support - the women artists participate in the development of a lucrative art-form, one that has facilitated a change in their economic independence. Each artist strives to break free of the financially precarious lifestyle imposed upon her by society. In choosing to become a percussion player, these women have demonstrated their desire to control their destiny.
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South Pacific’s Ile de la Réunion welcomed the women’s first public appearance in 2002 when they played with Les Percussions de Guinée. The crowd cheered as the women proudly took the stage besides the best of the best in African drumming. North American audiences witnessed a musical revolution in 2004, when the group toured US cities from coast to coast. From the very first show they received absolute enthusiasm. The stage was set to change the future of the djembe by presenting these women master drummers to the world.
After traveling more than 150,000 km by road and 90,000 km by plane, NIMBAYA!’s artists have spent the last 2 years preparing a new program for an international tour that is a commentary on the plight of African women, in an effort to redefine their role in the society. The artists will visit Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. Over 50 women are now rehearsing every day, learning new techniques and rhythms and adding more to their fiery dances and repertoire. In December 2010, Founding Director Mamoudou Conde traveled to Conakry (Guinea) for 6 weeks, recording a CD of the group in collaboration with French-Chilean group Sueno en la Fabrica, and preparing for the shooting of a documentary film about the women of NIMBAYA! and their wish to eradicate FGM. The group is now ready for their 2012-2014 tour in Europe and North America. 2011 also marks a new adventure: the artists of NIMBAYA! Women Drum & Dance Company of Guinea wants to speak about FGM and ask the world for their help to eradicate this cruel practice.
Mamoudou Conde, Founding Director Nathalie Roy, Project Coordinator
