Daily Archives: 5.6.2012


Sibiri Konaté / contemporary and traditional dance

Sibiri BB Konaté is a dancer and choreographer from Burkina Faso, now living in Helsinki. Despite his young age, Sibiri has already a remarkable career within contemporary dance: he has worked with Carolyn Carlson (USA), Salia Sanou and Seydou Boro (Burkina Faso), Kettly Noël (Mali), Jean-Claude Gallotta (Ranska) and Mark Tompskinin (USA), among others. He also has his own dance company, Compagnie Thilé Kanou. He is also appreciated as a teacher both in his home country and in several European countries.

In Fest Afrika Sibiri will teach both African contemporary dance and traditional dances from Burkina Fason on Wednesday, July 18th. Check the times, location and prizes in the workshop program. More info on Sibiri on his own website (in Finnish and French).


Extra Bongo (Tanzania) & Super Nyamwela / ndombolo

The special guest of Fest Afrika 2012 is Extra Bongo from Tanzania (watch on YouTube) – for the first time in Finland! The band was established in 2003 and has since become popular all over East Africa. Extra Bongo combines traditional melodies to urban dance music in ndombolo style.

Extra Bongo will perform on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, see program.

There will also be a ndombolo dance workshop by Super Nyamwela, probably the most famous Tanzanian dancer and choreographer, to get everyone ready for the Extra Bongo groove!

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