On our last visit to Cumbe, our teens had the honor of finishing their eight week-long Senegalese performing arts learning experience with a final drum circle workshop courtesy the very talented Konate Primus. Before starting the drum lesson, our teens sat down with Konate for a 30-minute interview about his life as an African American drummer, who was heavily influenced by Senegalese arts and culture.
Konate was born in Brooklyn, New York, to parents of both American and West Indian descent. He describes his childhood as being similar to that of any other typical child growing up in Brooklyn, New York, except the only difference is instead of hanging out with friends he spent hours learning and practicing African drum rhythms at his parents’ dance school. Although his parents were not of Senegalese descent, Konate and his family had a deep appreciation for the Senegalese culture, which led them to adopt many of the Senegalese customs they practiced at home.
Even after the interview ended, Konate continued to share wonderful stories about how drumming and Senegalese culture has influenced his life and contributed to his growth as a drummer.

NSBD teens interviewing Konate Primus.

NSBD learning sabar with Konate Primus.