Fanta Konatê, Guinean singer and dancer, daughter of Master Djembefola Famoudou Konatê, has a voice with the beauty and power of African Divas Her ancestry rooted in the traditional families of Malinke artists and musicians, from the region of Hamaná, in Guinean Savannas, where the Djembe and the music of the Griots originate. Founder of the Africa Vivá Institute, Fanta had her training in the African Ballet styles of “Hamaná,” “Fareta,” “Bolonta,” “Soleil d’Afrique,” and “Sangbarala,” the style of her village. She has worked as a choreographer and dance educator in social projects with homeless teenagers and war refugees sponsored by Doctors Without Borders and Refugee Children of the World.

Whether performing deeply traditional West African themes with her sisters and brothers in Troupe Djembedon or with other guest artists and collaborators in the “Contemporary Diaspora” style, Fanta Konatê always delights audiences with her mastery of a variety of timbres, styles and tempos.

With a new CD ‘JURAMANDEN’ set to be recorded and released in early 2011 next summer will be the ideal period to further introduce this act to the wider European audiences.

A Voice that presents the music of the African traditions, heir to the Mandingo Empire (1235 AD) and a voice that stands out from the crowd.

The Djembe, an ancient cup-shaped drum made from the trunk of a sacred tree originating from the Malinke ethnic group in Guinea, and adored throughout the world, a social tool that holds society together

Dances that express the joy and vitality of a people who meet daily to celebrate the life of every individual, from infancy until adulthood, and focusing on fertility, baptism, field work, marriage, gatherings and rites of passage. Rooted in rich tradition these three pillars support Fanta Konatê and Troupe Djembedon as they spread West African culture, engaging and electrifying audiences with ancient and contemporary instruments, technology, and media The virtuosic voice and dance of Fanta Konatê is a boundless font of the old and the new, reflecting the language of traditional villages as well as the modern ballets of Conakry, Guinea’s capital. In an unprecedented Afro-Brazilian jazz fusion, Fanta’s work is combined with occidental instruments and performed “Diaspora” style!

For more info contact us: fanta [@] feileafrica.com

With such a culturally rich, diverse and adaptable ensemble, keen to expose the African experience at all levels, they are able to deliver a variety of elements all within their day's work. So; percussion, vocal and African dance workshops can all be scheduled into a one day program along with a vibrant & colourful concert performance. Fanta even gives African cooking workshops!