2026 Performers:

Moussa "Bolokada" Conde is a Malinke percussionist from Guinea, West Africa with exceptional knowlege and skill in djembe and dunun instruction. He is a world class expert teacher of traditional Malinke rhythms and has performed for thousands of people at the highest level. Bolokada takes pride in sharing the Malinke rhythms, songs, and his culture with passion, patience, and remarkable zeal in not only spellbinding performances, but also in everyday class settings. An experience not to be missed!

Fodé Moussa Camara was born into an artistic family in Conakry, Guinea, West Africa. His talent was discovered at the early age of five, at which time he began his formal training with instruments of the Djembe, Doun-Doun, Sangban, and Kenkeni orchestra. He was called a prodigy by his teachers, claimed leading roles, and attained a featured artist status in a myriad of musical contributions. Camara's command of the Djembe, Doun-Doun, Sangban, Kenkeni and other specialized traditional West African percussion instruments like Krin, Bolon, Gongoma - and other instruments-prepared him to become the Musical Director of the renowned Gbassikolo an African Ballet, owned by his father Djibril Morlaye Camara, and leader drummer of the company Fatouabou Percussion in 1997. In 1998, Fodé become the Musical Director of the National Circus of Guinea, an international touring ensemble. His affiliation with the circus was interrupted when, after an international search in 2000, Camara was recruited to Senegal's Ballet D'Afrique Noire. Fodé began a United States, 32-city tour, with the ballet as lead drummer of the widely acclaimed Mandinka Epic, a dance theater production that told the history of the Mali Empire. In 2002, Camara began working with distinguished Kadiatou Conté Forte, affectionately known as Mama, whom is the Artistic Director of Balafon West African Drumming and Dance Ensemble where he serves as Musical Director.

In high demand, Camara tours extensively in Africa, Europe, North America, South America and Australia as an instructor, choreographer and guest artist. He has taught at Georgetown University, American University, Howard University, University of Maryland, and University of South Carolina and with a large number of performance ensembles. His participation is sought for annual African dance and music conferences throughout the United States. In 2004, Camara served as Musical Director for Borenya West African Drum and Dance Company, teaching and performance company located in Columbia, SC. Two years later because of his skill and artistic creativity, he was appointed Artistic Director for Borenya. In 2009, Camara started his own company Wona Womalan West African Drum and Dance Ensemble, that educates about West African history and culture that brings the knowledge and compassion to numerous schools and communities through performance, workshops and residencies. His company is located in Charleston SC. Fodé Moussa Camara, Master Drummer, Percussionist, Folklorist, Choreographer, exemplifies the new generation in the preservation of West African traditions and the influence of these traditions on the world. Born into this responsibility, Camara honors his family through his artistic expression of Guinea's musical traditions and Culture.

The Yeli Ensemble, a key component of AfricaNashville, showcases the talents of the Guinean musician Ibrahima ‘Ibro’ Dioubate, the South African dancer Michael Moloi and various visiting artists. The ensemble offers engaging performances and interactive workshops that educate audiences about the rhythms, dances, and traditions of West and South Africa. By aspiring to train the upcoming generation of dancers and drummers, AfricaNashville creates opportunities for cultural immersion and artistic growth.  With a mission to uplift and empower artists, AfricaNashville is redefining the cultural landscape of Nashville and beyond. 

The YELI Ensemble is named after the word 'Yeli', also called Griot in French. A Yeli is a 'living archive' of West African people's traditions. It is someone who has learned their art form from the youngest age, initially from their parents and then from their community and different masters of the art form.