Who Are Kubatana and the Moringa Dancers?
We are a group of like-minded individuals who love African rhythm and dance, play some amazing African instruments, dance some beautiful african inspired moves and love to share what we do with anyone who cares to listen. The first thing you may notice about Kubatana is that we are all different nationalities. We feel this is a perfect reflection of this amazing country we live in. Aotearoa brings together so many nationalities and races to its shores and with its diverse culture has allowed me to feel and experience African rhythm and dance.
Our group learns from drum and dance masters who’s music and dance represents tribal celebrations, rituals and legends throughout Africa. With the blessings of our many African teachers and masters, the intention of our group is to celebrate the beauty and culture of African drum and dance and represent those teachers from a place of respect and gratitude.
Originally, according to the Bambara people in Mali, the name of our main drum (the djembe) comes from the saying "Anke djé, anke bé" which translates to "everyone gather together in peace".
What do you do?
1. We play African instruments really fast and quite loud until the crowd get dancing!
2. Love performing at all kinds of Events
3. Have fun!
Why do you do it?
"Well I have just found the djembe so accessible and feel a great sense of accomplishment after a set or performance. Having never really been a musician, this has been such a revelation to me (being able to do something that does not require reading music) and just want to get people to join in and realise that if I can do it, anyone can. After 17 years of learning the djembe drumming and now teaching, I have now found myself having the best time with some amazing people whilst performing what I love for some great crowds throughout the Wellington Region. I must say I feel really privileged." - Simon (drum leader)
Who are your teachers?
We will be forever grateful to our teachers Koffie Fugah, Agbe De Souza, Mohammed Bangoura, Chris Berry, Bobcar Gaye, Yaw Asumadou, King Marong, Naby Bangoura, Maputo Mensah, Anastasia Apetor, Koffie Mawuli, Jimmy Akiti, Edwin Yao and Bassidi Kone, and those who we have studied from afar Youssouf Koumbassa, Fara Tolno and may he rest in peace, Mamady Keita.
We are a group of like-minded individuals who love African rhythm and dance, play some amazing African instruments, dance some beautiful african inspired moves and love to share what we do with anyone who cares to listen. The first thing you may notice about Kubatana is that we are all different nationalities. We feel this is a perfect reflection of this amazing country we live in. Aotearoa brings together so many nationalities and races to its shores and with its diverse culture has allowed me to feel and experience African rhythm and dance.
Our group learns from drum and dance masters who’s music and dance represents tribal celebrations, rituals and legends throughout Africa. With the blessings of our many African teachers and masters, the intention of our group is to celebrate the beauty and culture of African drum and dance and represent those teachers from a place of respect and gratitude.
Originally, according to the Bambara people in Mali, the name of our main drum (the djembe) comes from the saying "Anke djé, anke bé" which translates to "everyone gather together in peace".
What do you do?
1. We play African instruments really fast and quite loud until the crowd get dancing!
2. Love performing at all kinds of Events
3. Have fun!
Why do you do it?
"Well I have just found the djembe so accessible and feel a great sense of accomplishment after a set or performance. Having never really been a musician, this has been such a revelation to me (being able to do something that does not require reading music) and just want to get people to join in and realise that if I can do it, anyone can. After 17 years of learning the djembe drumming and now teaching, I have now found myself having the best time with some amazing people whilst performing what I love for some great crowds throughout the Wellington Region. I must say I feel really privileged." - Simon (drum leader)
Who are your teachers?
We will be forever grateful to our teachers Koffie Fugah, Agbe De Souza, Mohammed Bangoura, Chris Berry, Bobcar Gaye, Yaw Asumadou, King Marong, Naby Bangoura, Maputo Mensah, Anastasia Apetor, Koffie Mawuli, Jimmy Akiti, Edwin Yao and Bassidi Kone, and those who we have studied from afar Youssouf Koumbassa, Fara Tolno and may he rest in peace, Mamady Keita.