My name is Valdas Kotovas, I have been interested in African drumming for a long time... even before I started to be involved in film making. Unfortunately, I did not become a great drummer, but I wanted to be part of the "Drumming " movement. I fulfilled it through making films about drumming. I was lucky to meet a great Djembe players like Mamady Keita, Bolokada Conde, Fode Camara and many other people who have been seriously involved in African Culture - Laura Rich, Mamoudu Conde, Matt Mueller are only the few from a long list. www.valdasvideo.com
In 1968 the company consisted of 50 dancers & 50 musicians & their costumes smelled of African bush materials - grass skirts, stilt walkers, beads & seeds, animal skins - the drummers wore white shells that ''rang'' on bands around their lower legs - the women danced bare-breasted . . . all very different 50 yrs on !
This is really one of the best video expressions of Mamady's playing and the nuance he has always brought to the voice of his drum. All the sounds are here, including lots of his signature "third slap," one of the most beautiful sounds ever created on a djembe. He'll always be the top in my book. RIP.
Thank you Bolokada! Your technique ,timing and your positive self presence have guided me to a more fulfilling/ positive way of life !you are a true master and I thank you for all your hard work and inspiration! I know you probably put more miles on your djimbe head than I've put my feet to the ground walking😉 !
This is so wonderful. We miss you Mamady.......you have left a hole in space and time.....our sadness is a token of our love for you. Thank you for everything you have done.
I'm so proud of our beautiful madingo or malinke or mandenka rythm precisely with sir may Keita descendent of the emperor of Mali and emperor of djembé in the galaxy.
Nothing to say.... the greatest. When you reach this purity and accuracy in such a perfect dosage, it's the sound of life and infinity. Thx mister Keita, for all ! :-)
Extraordinary concert of Drumming, very good rhythm and a notable synchronization. Mamady Keïta is one of the percussionist of African drumms most expert and recognized to level internationall. He has acted in diverse capitals of the world as cultural representative of his country.
