About
Welcome to the world of Sidiki Dembélé, where the vibrant rhythms of traditional African music come alive and warm the soul. A multi-instrumentalist originally from the Ivory Coast, Sidiki comes from a celebrated Malian griot family of musicians, diplomats, and oral historians. Raised in the rich cultural traditions of his ancestors, he began his musical journey at the tender age of five. By the time he was ten, Sidiki was playing professionally at prestigious events, and by fourteen, he was traveling across West Africa, performing as part of various African ballet companies and leading as a musical director. Music is truly in his blood.
Sidiki’s heart belongs to the djembe, a drum he reveres as “a spiritual force, teaching us to live in peace, love, respect, humility, and tolerance.” His passion for the djembe has taken him around the world, where he is celebrated for his explosive and soul-stirring performances. Whether with the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Royal Shakespeare Company, or at the 2021 BBC Proms with the Manchester Collective, his performances transport audiences straight to the heart of West Africa. Sidiki’s talent also extends to theatre, where he composed and directed music for Giles Terera’s acclaimed The Meaning of Zong and collaborated with the Royal Ballet on a new South African choreography.
Now based in Manchester, UK, Sidiki continues to share his extraordinary talent globally, teaching workshops and masterclasses, and passing on his deep knowledge and love for African music. Sidiki’s passion for education is evident in his commitment to giving back. He founded a school in Côte d’Ivoire for disadvantaged children to learn traditional music, and the first graduates have now formed the self-sufficient group, Denifari. Twice a year, Sidiki leads immersive trips to his homeland, where students can learn djembe, dundun, and dance from griot masters in the heart of his family home.
About
Welcome to the world of Sidiki Dembélé, where the vibrant rhythms of traditional African music come alive and warm the soul. A multi-instrumentalist originally from the Ivory Coast, Sidiki comes from a celebrated Malian griot family of musicians, diplomats, and oral historians. Raised in the rich cultural traditions of his ancestors, he began his musical journey at the tender age of five. By the time he was ten, Sidiki was playing professionally at prestigious events, and by fourteen, he was traveling across West Africa, performing as part of various African ballet companies and leading as a musical director. Music is truly in his blood.
Sidiki’s heart belongs to the djembe, a drum he reveres as “a spiritual force, teaching us to live in peace, love, respect, humility, and tolerance.” His passion for the djembe has taken him around the world, where he is celebrated for his explosive and soul-stirring performances. Whether with the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Royal Shakespeare Company, or at the 2021 BBC Proms with the Manchester Collective, his performances transport audiences straight to the heart of West Africa. Sidiki’s talent also extends to theatre, where he composed and directed music for Giles Terera’s acclaimed The Meaning of Zong and collaborated with the Royal Ballet on a new South African choreography.
Now based in Manchester, UK, Sidiki continues to share his extraordinary talent globally, teaching workshops and masterclasses, and passing on his deep knowledge and love for African music. Sidiki’s passion for education is evident in his commitment to giving back. He founded a school in Côte d’Ivoire for disadvantaged children to learn traditional music, and the first graduates have now formed the self-sufficient group, Denifari. Twice a year, Sidiki leads immersive trips to his homeland, where students can learn djembe, dundun, and dance from griot masters in the heart of his family home.
Denifari
Sidiki Dembele founded the Denifari School to provide education and inspiration to young people from disadvantaged families in West Africa, helping them find a path out of poverty through music and cultural traditions. The school has nurtured talented young musicians who have now formed a self-sufficient performance group, and Sidiki continues to mentor and support them from the UK.
With the group flourishing, Sidiki is eager to open Denifari up to new opportunities for collaboration. He envisions bringing the group to the UK and Europe, where they can perform and share their rich musical heritage with new audiences. By fostering cultural exchange and working with other artists, Sidiki hopes to expand Denifari’s impact beyond West Africa, offering the group a platform to collaborate with international musicians and showcase their unique talents on a global stage.
As Denifari grows, Sidiki invites musicians, event organisers, and cultural institutions to join him in creating meaningful artistic partnerships and providing new experiences for his students. Through collaboration and shared performance, Denifari aims to connect cultures and inspire creativity across borders.
Gallery
dembele@live.co.uk