Percussion d’Abobo
Abidjan today is a flagship city, with a population of about 6 million. Côte d’Ivoire is a beautiful, peaceful, modern and welcoming land, but life wasn’t always this easy. When Sidiki was growing up, his landscape had been riven by violent unrest and civil war. In the bustling suburb of Abobo, a short drive from the commercial capital, there was poverty, loss and need. Sidiki was still a child, of only fourteen years old, but he could see that his friends from the local area were at risk of drifting, the ever present temptations of alcohol, drugs and street crime beckoning many young people at a time when employment and learning opportunities were scarce.
So began a performance group – known as Denifari – brought to life by Sidiki. Even at this young age, his own family background had instilled in him a sense, not only of responsibility, but of agency and self belief. He brought together a group of his peers, to live together and learn together.
Sidiki paid the rent on a house for the young boys, some of whom had lost their fathers, all of whom had nowhere to turn. As they learned from Sidiki, they began to play professionally at local events, and started to use what they earned to establish themselves.
The group quickly developed into self sufficiency and some acclaim around Côte d’Ivoire, and in the years that followed, the first generation have moved on, either within the group, or to pursue solo careers, travelling around the world. It doesn’t seem to matter where they go, though, there’s a deep bond which brings them home, back to Denifari, whenever they can, responding to the call of the master.
But the training has continued, and, as time goes on, those first young men maintained a staunch commitment to the group, passing their wisdom and skills down the line. The training ground remains active and successful.
Abidjan today is a flagship city, with a population of about 6 million. Côte d’Ivoire is a beautiful, peaceful, modern and welcoming land, but life wasn’t always this easy. When Sidiki was growing up, his landscape had been riven by violent unrest and civil war. In the bustling suburb of Abobo, a short drive from the commercial capital, there was poverty, loss and need. Sidiki was still a child, of only fourteen years old, but he could see that his friends from the local area were at risk of drifting, the ever present temptations of alcohol, drugs and street crime beckoning many young people at a time when employment and learning opportunities were scarce.
So began a performance group – known as Denifari – brought to life by Sidiki. Even at this young age, his own family background had instilled in him a sense, not only of responsibility, but of agency and self belief. He brought together a group of his peers, to live together and learn together.
Sidiki paid the rent on a house for the young boys, some of whom had lost their fathers, all of whom had nowhere to turn. As they learned from Sidiki, they began to play professionally at local events, and started to use what they earned to establish themselves.
The group quickly developed into self sufficiency and some acclaim around Côte d’Ivoire, and in the years that followed, the first generation have moved on, either within the group, or to pursue solo careers, travelling around the world. It doesn’t seem to matter where they go, though, there’s a deep bond which brings them home, back to Denifari, whenever they can, responding to the call of the master.
But the training has continued, and, as time goes on, those first young men maintained a staunch commitment to the group, passing their wisdom and skills down the line. The training ground remains active and successful.
In recent years, the new generation of artists have developed a new performance group, named Percussion d’Abobo, who are continuing to push the limits of traditional and contemporary West African music, and include vocalists and string instruments. Regular visits from students around the world are supported by the teaching skills of these young musicians, developed under the tutelage of their very proud leader, Sidiki Dembélé.
Sidiki continues to head up the group, and to rehearse regularly with them, online from wherever he is. The sound is beautiful, the energy electric, and they’re ready.
Watch out for news of how you can witness this astonishing ensemble of world class musicians – we’ll keep you updated here!
In recent years, the new generation of artists have developed a new performance group, named Percussion d’Abobo, who are continuing to push the limits of traditional and contemporary West African music, and include vocalists and string instruments. Regular visits from students around the world are supported by the teaching skills of these young musicians, developed under the tutelage of their very proud leader, Sidiki Dembélé.
Sidiki continues to head up the group, and to rehearse regularly with them, online from wherever he is. The sound is beautiful, the energy electric, and they’re ready.
Watch out for news of how you can witness this astonishing ensemble of world class musicians – we’ll keep you updated here!
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dembele@live.co.uk