Do You Speak Djembe?

A band of world-class African and international musicians with diverse but complementary styles… A surprising mix of instruments … An innovative fusion of music and rhythm from different cultures… The public as performers, each with a djembe drum… These are the ingredients of a unique musical now enjoyed by more than 100,000 since 2014 people across France and Switzerland…..and soon in the US. From a convergence between classical orchestral and African music, the show has evolved to today’s dynamic new combination. The line-up includes maestro kora player Seckou Keita and an outstanding group of West African and international musicians on djembe, kora, dundun, balafon and other traditional African instruments, along with keyboards, drums and voice. The new musical director/arranger is world-class Latin-jazz pianist Alex Wilson who brings his experience directing Rodrigo y Gabriela and Mali Latino to create an exciting mix of West African traditions, sizzling salsa and favourite hits from around the globe. And the audience is part of the show! Generating positive energy through drumming. Sharing not just the musicians’ melodies, harmonies and rhythm but an infectious joy. All are invited to forget their inhibitions, feel the rhythm like their own heartbeat, and together “speak djembe”. Co-created by Doug Manuel and the conductor Philippe Fournier, Do You Speak Djembe? is a show unlike any other. A completely different way of sharing music and its rhythms.