With the Djoliba National Ballet
The Early Days
From 1957 to 1963
At the age of 7, Mamady was initiated into the ways of the djembe (traditional Malinke drum) by Karinkadjan Kondé, elder djembefola of Balandugu, who showed him all the secrets of the djembe. Educated in the traditions of his village, Mamady was initiated into the history and music of Manding.
With a boundless curiosity, he didn't rest until he learned first the rhythms of his native Wassolon, then those of the rest of Manding; he even learned the rhythms of neighboring ethnic groups.
Chosen for the National Ballet
At this time, Guinea was governed by Sékou Touré who put special emphasis on Guinean culture through live performances and a system of local, regional, and national competitions that recruited the greatest artists of the land.
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These artists were "educated" in training centers through a regime of very strict discipline. The best students were chosen for the Djoliba National Ballet, which was intended to serve as a showcase for Sékou Touré's revolution in Guinea. Touré had the musicians rehearse in his palace and went so far as to direct certain pieces himself ! |
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1963
Mamady was chosen from among all the drummers of the region to join the Federal Ballet (Province of Siguiri).
1964
At the age of fourteen, during the National Festival, Mamady and fifty other percussionists and numerous other artists were selected by Guinea's Minister of Culture to form the Djoliba National Ballet.
After nine months of training, he was one of only five percussionists retained.
Celebrated at a very early age, Mamady appeared as a fourteen-year old in the film Africa Dance (1964) , with Harry Belafonte.
With the Djoliba National Ballet
From 1964 to 1979, Mamady was a member of the Djoliba Ballet in which he served as lead drummer and soloist. In 1979, he became the artistic director of the troupe, a position he held until 1986. During his time, he went on numerous tours throughout the whole world.
From 1965 to 1969
- West Africa, China, Egypt, Germany, Scandinavia, France, Switzerland, Great Britain, East Africa, Central Africa, and the then Soviet Union.
The Djoliba National Ballet in China in 1965
Copyright © 1997 - TamTam Mandingue
Leaving after a stop during the China
tour in 1965
Copyright © 1997 - TamTam Mandingue
- He won first prize and the gold medal at the International Folklore Festival in Agrigente, Italy in 1967.
From 1969 to 1973
- He won first prize and the gold medal at the First Pan-African Festival in Algiers. He was named « the greatest drummer in Africa ».
- He participated in the World Festival in Sofia. Tours of the then Soviet Union, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, USA, Latin America, and Cuba.
- In 1972, in Chicago, he was named « Best Percussion Professor of the Year ».
From 1974 to 1976
- Created a new show with the National Ballet in Conakry, Guinea.
From 1977 to 1979
- Pan-African Festival in Lagos.
- Tours of the Ivory Coast, Greece, and Eastern Europe.
July 79
- Mamady was named Artistic Director of Djoliba Ballet.
From 1980 to 1986
- Tours with Djoliba in South Korea, Africa, the Far East, and the USA.
The ballet's percussionists in 1981. Mamady
is in the middle.
Copyright © 1997 - TamTam Mandingue
1982
- Participated in the Festival in Marrakesh and Agadir in Morocco.
1985
- Received a diploma in percussion instruction from the Art School of Washington.
Teaching in USA, 1985
Copyright © 1997 - TamTam Mandingue
